Potential Charlotte Hornets trade prospects for the 2025-26 NBA season, far too premature for discussion
The Charlotte Hornets are set to make strategic moves during the 2022-2023 NBA season, aiming to improve roster balance and contend in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Targeting Veteran Guards or Wings
The Hornets are looking to complement their young core, particularly LaMelo Ball, with experienced scoring and secondary playmaking. Acquiring a proven shooting guard or combo guard could stabilize backcourt scoring and reduce pressure on LaMelo.
Trading from Depth or Draft Assets
To get established players who can contribute immediately, the Hornets are willing to trade from their depth or draft assets. With a tough Eastern Conference ahead, the team needs more balance to compete effectively.
Possible Trade Candidates
Seth Curry, a veteran shooter with a long track record of stretching defenses, could be a trade candidate due to defensive limitations and inconsistent role. Taj Gibson, a veteran mentor with a minimum contract, might also be traded to open a roster spot for a younger developmental player or a midseason flyer.
Wendell Moore Jr., who has struggled to break into regular rotations, could also be another trade candidate due to limited opportunities in the Hornets' wing depth. Without a reliable three-point shot, Moore risks being marginalized in a system that prioritizes spacing around ball-dominant guards.
Midseason Adjustments
A slow start could force midseason trades as the Hornets remain a team in transition. Contenders often covet veterans like Taj Gibson at the deadline, and without a reliable three-point shot, Curry's $3-4 million salary is easy to move, and multiple playoff-caliber teams could be interested in renting his shooting for a postseason push.
The Impact of Taj Gibson
Taj Gibson's value to the Hornets isn't measured solely in box scores. He brings leadership, professionalism, and a steady locker room presence to the team. A title-chasing team in need of frontcourt insurance could be interested in Taj Gibson.
The Hornets' 2022-2023 season will be crucial in determining whether their offseason additions can gel quickly. The 2025-26 season will hinge on whether these moves help the team make a genuine step forward and escape the Eastern Conference's basement.
The Hornets might consider trading Taj Gibson, whose leadership and locker room presence are valuable yet may be sought after by title-chasing teams needing frontcourt insurance. this could open a roster spot for a younger player or a midseason flyer. To bolster their backcourt scoring, the Hornets may look to acquire a proven shooting guard or combo guard, possibly through trades involving depth or draft assets. The team's aim is to balance their roster and contend in the Eastern Conference, and strategic moves during the 2022-2023 NBA season could facilitate this objective.
