5 pending free agents in the NBA playoffs that could help the Hornets

The playoffs has a wealth of players the Hornets could go after.

Nov 6, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) leaps to block a shot by Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Charlotte Hornets don't need to splurge on players like LeBron James or James Harden in free agency, but there are a number of players they should be interested in. The playoffs will be a final chance for some of these pending FAs to improve their stock, and the Hornets should be watching.

Pending FAs the Hornets should watch in the NBA playoffs

1. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Apr 7, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) dribbles in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Tim Hardaway Jr. was a huge piece of the Detroit Pistons' turnaround. He provided a solid presence for Cade Cunningham, helping him develop further and getting the Pistons to the playoffs. It might be a little silly to literally do exactly what Detroit did, but signing Hardaway worked. The Hornets can do that this offseason, and it would be worth considering.

2. Duncan Robinson

Mar 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) drives to the basket past Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat are technically in the play-in, but they stand a chance of making it into the playoffs. The Hornets need shooting, and they could use an upgrade at small forward. Robinson does both of those things. He is almost 31, so it would be a short-term bridge sort of contract, but he could raise their floor and help some of the younger players develop in Charlotte.

3. Luke Kennard

Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) makes a three point basket over Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

As mentioned, the Hornets need some shooting, and Luke Kennard does that about as well as anyone in this free-agent class. Like the Heat, the Memphis Grizzlies are in the play-in, needing one win to advance as the eight seed in the West. Kennard went to Duke, so he'd be a "local" signing, and he fits what the Hornets need and wouldn't be terribly expensive, a plus for a team that shouldn't yet be making splash signings.

4. Naz Reid

Apr 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) walks with his head down after a 110-103 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Naz Reid is a center, but he's an undersized one. That's why the Hornets could have him play power forward alongside Mark Williams down low. It would improve the interior defense, as Williams' 118.9 defensive rating is sky high compared to Reid's much stronger 108.8. Plus, at less than 26, Reid's age lines up pretty well with the current Hornets core.

5. Gary Payton II

Mar 17, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) reacts after being called for a foul against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors clinched a playoff spot with their play-in win. Gary Payton II has been a solid player on both ends of the floor (113.5 offensive rating, 110.1 defensive rating). That's exactly what the Hornets need. A low-cost, well-rounded (but sturdy defensively) bench player who can mentor the young players.

- MORE STORIES FROM HORNETS ON SI -

Mark Williams gives an update on his overall health following the 2024-25 season

Miles Bridges wants to turn Charlotte around and become an 'annual playoff team'

Ranking the Charlotte Hornets' top trade assets heading into the summer

Analyzing Moussa Diabaté's breakout season with the Charlotte Hornets