Potential Charlotte Hornets trade targets to monitor in the 2025-26 NBA campaign
Charlotte Hornets Eye NBA Playoffs Push in 2026 with Ambitious Offseason Moves
The Charlotte Hornets are gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 NBA season, following a productive offseason that has set them on a promising path towards ending their NBA playoffs drought.
The Hornets' roster has seen significant changes, starting with the addition of rookies Kon Knueppel, Sion James, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Liam McNeeley through the draft. The team also retained Tre Mann, brought in Spencer Dinwiddie and Pat Connaughton, and acquired Collin Sexton. Notably, the Hornets won the 2025 NBA Summer League championship.
The Hornets are not content with mere roster changes, though. They are actively pursuing one or two higher-impact players to accelerate their timeline and give them the two-way versatility they need to make noise beyond the play-in.
One potential target is Jaden McDaniels from the Minnesota Timberwolves. McDaniels, known for his defensive prowess, could fill the defensive void in Charlotte and bring the kind of toughness and versatility that playoff teams need. Adding McDaniels to the roster could set the stage for a new defensive identity in Charlotte, something that has been sorely lacking for years.
On offense, McDaniels is not a high-usage player, but he can knock down open shots and cut at the right times. His addition could provide the balance the Hornets' offense needs.
Another potential acquisition is Keegan Murray, a 2-way forward who could change the Hornets' roster balance and provide them with the two-way versatility they currently lack.
The Eastern Conference, currently weaker than it once was, presents an opportunity for up-and-coming teams like the Charlotte Hornets to seize the moment. The addition of one of the trade targets (Gradey Dick, Keegan Murray, or Jaden McDaniels) could be the difference for the Hornets in their pursuit of an NBA playoffs spot in 2026.
The Timberwolves may not be eager to part with McDaniels due to their expensive commitments, but financial pressures could force them to make a tough decision. The Hornets are hopeful that their ambitious offseason moves will pay off, setting them on a path towards ending their NBA playoffs drought and making noise beyond the play-in.
The Hornets' offseason has been nothing short of impressive, and with the right additions, they could be poised for a breakthrough season in 2026.
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