Will the Hornets Look Any Different Post-Trade Deadline?
At 15-40 the Hornets have not had the season that they wanted to have, which leads them to be sellers at the deadline. With the trade deadline just one day away, the Hornets should be looking to get move some of their veterans to generate playing time for the young guys. However, GM Mitch Kupchak has not been one to make in-season moves. In Kupchak's time with the Hornets he's made just two trades at the deadline. Last season, he brought in Montrezl Harrell for a one-year rental deal, while trading away Ish Smith, Vernon Carey Jr, and a second round pick. Two years ago, Kupchak made a small move to get Brad Wanamaker from the Warriors as both teams exchanged second-round picks. With the Hornets going in a different direction this year, will Kupchak be more active?
Many of the Hornets veterans have been rumored to be traded at the deadline. Mason Plumlee, Terry Rozier, and Kelly Oubre Jr are just a few players that have been named in those discussions. For many years the Hornets have been stuck in the middle. However, this season they're at the bottom and they have a lot of players that could potentially have some sort of value. Only three teams have a worse record than the Hornets (Pistons, Rockets, Spurs). If Charlotte do decide to offload some of their players, then it would most likely improve their lottery odds and chances of getting a top three pick, along with additional future draft assets.
My Order of Trade Preference
1. Terry Rozier had a rough start to the season, but since then he has turned his season around. Rozier is averaging over 25 points per game over his last 10 games. With Rozier's strong recently play it gives the Hornets a decision to make. They can either keep Rozier if they see him as part of their future or trade him while his value is the highest. Personally, I believe that the Hornets should try to trade him and free up some cap space for the future. However, it's not my decision or the fans decision, that is up to Mitch Kupchak, Michael Jordan, and the rest of the organization. Rozier has been rumored to the Lakers numerous times, but it appears that deal is nowhere close.
2. Mason Plumlee has been one of the Hornets most consistent players all season, but he's taking minutes from promising rookie Mark Williams. In order to free up time for not only Mark Williams, but Nick Richards as well, Plumlee should be shipped away to another team. Clifford has spoken on multiple occasions about how it's hard to play both Williams and Richards. On a positive note, Plumlee is rumored to have interest from multiple teams, including the Sacramento Kings. It's unknown what the value of Plumlee will be, but it seems like the overall expectation is that the 32 year old bigman will be shipped away on Thursday.
3. Kelly Oubre Jr will be an unrestricted free agent this off-season and it's in question that the Hornets would be willing to give Oubre a contract. It would make sense for the Hornets to try get some sort of value for Oubre, who is having a career year averaging over 20 points per game. If the Hornets were willing to pay Oubre this summer, then not trading him would make sense, but if they decide not to trade him and receive nothing for him, that would be a questionable team building strategy. Oubre has been out since December 29th due to hand surgery. The question remains, will Oubre's injury hurt his trade value?
4. Jalen McDaniels/PJ Washington: Both Jalen McDaniels and PJ Washington have drawn interest from multiple teams, but the Hornets seem to be leaning towards keeping both forwards. McDaniels and Washington will be free agents this summer. The only difference between the two is that McDaniels will be unrestricted, while Washington will be restricted which means it is easier for Charlotte to retain him. I find it hard to believe that both forwards will be on the team next year, which makes it a tough decision for the Hornets. The team could make their choice between McDaniels and Washington this summer or they could make it at the deadline.
5. Gordon Hayward's name has been on the injury report numerous times this season and the production on the court has not been what was expected. His injury history has made teams reluctant to make a move for the veteran and this year hasn't helped his case. With two years remaining on his contract, it feels pretty clear that Hayward will still be on the team after the deadline. The reason I put Hayward last is because the Hornets would most likely have to add picks to deal him right now. With that being said if I was the Hornets I'd rather just hold on to him and try again in a year, or just finish out his contract.
The Hornets can change the way their future looks, or they can stand pat at the deadline, which would leave many Hornets fans confused. To keep track of the trade deadline updates, make sure you check out the link below!
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