The Charlotte Hornets are gearing up for a pivotal 2024 offseason after a challenging 2023-24 season. Finishing with a 21-61 record, the Hornets showed moments of promise but ultimately fell short of a playoff spot. With the No. 6 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the team has a significant asset that could be used to either bring in a top prospect or as a key piece in a trade for established talent.
As the Hornets look to build around LaMelo Ball and their young core, they have the opportunity to make a splash in the trade market. Here are five potential trades Charlotte could consider with their No. 6 pick to enhance their roster and set themselves up for future success.
1. Getting Mikal Bridges Out Of Brooklyn
Hornets receive: Mikal Bridges
Nets receive: Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, 2024 No. 6 pick, 2027 first-round pick (via Mavs), 2027 first-round pick (via Heat)
The Hornets ended the 2023-24 season with a 21-61 record, a clear sign that they need significant improvements to become competitive. Securing the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft gives them a valuable asset, but trading for an established player like Mikal Bridges could accelerate their rebuild.
The Nets finished the season with a 32-50 record, missing the playoffs and indicating a need for restructuring. By trading away Bridges, they would gain valuable draft capital and young talent, which could help them in a longer-term rebuild.
Mikal Bridges had a solid 2023-24 season, averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. His defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable asset for any team. In Brooklyn, Bridges has been a key player, but with the team’s struggles, the Nets might be looking to rebuild through draft picks and younger players.
Adding Bridges to the Hornets would provide immediate defensive stability and a versatile scorer who can play both forward positions. His experience and skills would complement LaMelo Ball, giving the Hornets a more competitive lineup and a leader on both ends of the floor. The trade would likely boost their chances of making a playoff run sooner rather than later.
For the Nets, acquiring Davis Bertans and Tre Mann adds depth and shooting, while the 2024 No. 6 pick and two future first-round picks provide substantial rebuilding assets. This trade allows Brooklyn to focus on developing younger talent and preparing for the future.
This trade appears mutually beneficial, offering Charlotte a proven star in Bridges and providing Brooklyn with a strong package of assets to kickstart their rebuild.
2. An Interior Star With Lauri Markkanen
Hornets receive: Lauri Markkanen
Jazz receive: Grant Williams, Cody Martin, 2024 No. 6 pick, 2027 first-round pick (via Heat)
The trade scenario where the Charlotte Hornets receive Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Grant Williams, Cody Martin, the 2024 No. 6 pick, and a 2027 first-round pick (via Heat) presents an intriguing opportunity for both teams.
The Utah Jazz finished the 2023-24 season missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. They are in a rebuilding phase, focusing on accumulating draft capital and developing young talent. With $40 million in cap space and significant draft assets, including a top-10 pick, the Jazz have the flexibility to make substantial moves this offseason. Lauri Markkanen, their standout player, is under contract through the 2024-25 season, with a partially guaranteed salary of $18 million for that year. Markkanen, who averaged 23.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this past season, is a candidate for a substantial contract extension this summer, potentially worth upwards of $140 million over four years.
For the Hornets, acquiring Markkanen would provide a significant boost to their roster. Markkanen’s ability to score efficiently and stretch the floor as a forward makes him a valuable addition to any team. Pairing him with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller would create a versatile and dynamic offensive trio. Ball’s playmaking ability and Markkanen’s scoring prowess could complement each other well, potentially transforming the Hornets’ offensive capabilities. Markkanen’s presence would also take some scoring pressure off Miller, allowing him to develop at a more natural pace.
From Utah’s perspective, this trade provides them with valuable assets to continue their rebuild. Grant Williams and Cody Martin are both solid role players who can contribute immediately. The 2024 No. 6 pick gives the Jazz another opportunity to add a high-upside prospect to their young core, while the 2027 first-round pick offers future flexibility. This deal aligns with Utah’s strategy of building for the future while maintaining financial flexibility and accumulating draft capital.
3. A Move To Save Jordan Poole’s Career
Hornets receive: Jordan Poole
Wizards receive: Davis Bertans, Seth Curry, 2024 No. 6 pick
The trade scenario where the Charlotte Hornets acquire Jordan Poole from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Davis Bertans, Seth Curry, and the 2024 No. 6 pick is an interesting one, considering Poole’s fluctuating performance this past season.
Jordan Poole’s 2023-24 season with the Wizards was quite the roller coaster. After being traded from the Golden State Warriors, Poole initially showed promise as a key offensive player. However, his performance became inconsistent as the season progressed. He averaged 17.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game over 78 games. Despite these solid numbers, Poole struggled with efficiency, shooting just 41.3% from the field and 32.6% from three-point range.
Midway through the season, Poole was moved to the bench by interim head coach Brian Keefe. This move was intended to give him more opportunities to be the lead decision-maker and offensive engine for the second unit. While Poole maintained professionalism about the change, the adjustment reflected his uneven performance and the team’s desire to shake things up amidst a tough season. The Wizards ended the season with a 15-67 record, underscoring their struggles and the experimental approach with Poole.
For the Hornets, acquiring Poole could inject some much-needed scoring and playmaking into their roster. Poole’s potential fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller could be dynamic. Ball’s exceptional court vision and playmaking would complement Poole’s scoring ability, while Miller’s versatility would allow for creative offensive schemes. The Hornets would hope that a change of scenery and a more defined role could help Poole regain his confidence and efficiency, providing them with a potent backcourt duo.
In contrast, the Wizards would benefit from this trade by acquiring valuable assets for their rebuild. The inclusion of the No. 6 pick in the 2024 draft gives them another high-upside prospect to develop, while Davis Bertans and Seth Curry add veteran presence and shooting depth to their roster. This trade aligns with the Wizards’ long-term strategy of accumulating young talent and draft capital.
4. Brandon Ingram Would Elevate The Hornets
Hornets receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Davis Bertans, Grant Williams, Tre Mann, 2024 No. 6 pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
Brandon Ingram’s 2023-24 season with the New Orleans Pelicans was marked by struggles and growing discontent. Ingram posted averages of 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, shooting 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc. However, despite these solid stats, his season was plagued by inconsistency and injury issues. Ingram missed significant time due to a knee injury and his performance dipped noticeably in the playoffs, where he averaged just 14.3 points per game on 35% shooting as the Pelicans were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Pelicans, who finished the regular season with a respectable 49-33 record, have signaled a potential overhaul this offseason. With Ingram entering the final year of his contract, worth $36 million, and tensions rising between him and the franchise, New Orleans is reportedly looking to trade him if a good offer comes their way. The friction between Ingram and head coach Willie Green, especially concerning his role in the offense, has further fueled trade speculations.
For the Hornets, acquiring Ingram would be a significant move. Ingram’s scoring ability and versatility would be a perfect fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, creating a dynamic offensive trio. Ingram’s capability to handle the ball and create his own shot would relieve some of the playmaking burden from Ball, while Miller’s versatility and potential make this a promising combination for the future.
On the other side, the Pelicans would benefit from gaining multiple assets in this trade. The inclusion of the 2024 No. 6 pick provides New Orleans with another high-potential player to develop, while the additional future first-round picks ensure continued opportunities for roster enhancement. Davis Bertans, Grant Williams, and Tre Mann add depth and flexibility to the roster, helping the Pelicans maintain competitiveness while transitioning to a new core.
This trade aligns with the Pelicans’ strategy of rebuilding and accumulating assets, while the Hornets take a calculated risk to accelerate their path to contention with a proven star like Ingram.
5. Bolstering The Defense With Dejounte Murray
Hornets receive: Dejounte Murray
Hawks receive: Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, Seth Curry, 2024 No. 6 pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
The Atlanta Hawks’ 2023-24 season has been tumultuous, with the team finishing with a disappointing 36-46 record, well below expectations. A significant factor in their struggles has been the fit between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. The Hawks acquired Murray in hopes of forming a dynamic backcourt duo, but the partnership has not yielded the desired results. Murray’s role shifted significantly upon joining Atlanta, leading to a decrease in his assists from 9.1 per game in his final season with the Spurs to 6.4 per game with the Hawks. Despite setting a career-high in scoring with 22.5 points per game, the overall team chemistry and defensive efficiency suffered.
Amid these challenges, rumors have swirled about potential trades involving Murray. The Hawks are reportedly open to moving him, particularly given their need to retool and improve their roster. Multiple teams have shown interest, and trading Murray could provide the Hawks with the necessary assets to reset and build a more cohesive unit around Trae Young.
For the Hornets, acquiring Murray would address several key issues, particularly on the defensive end. Murray is known for his defensive prowess and versatility, qualities that would complement LaMelo Ball’s playmaking abilities. Ball and Murray together could form a balanced backcourt, with Ball focusing on orchestrating the offense and Murray providing lockdown defense and additional scoring. This duo could potentially elevate Charlotte’s competitive edge significantly.
From Atlanta’s perspective, the proposed trade brings in valuable assets. The 2024 No. 6 pick offers a chance to draft a high-potential player, while the inclusion of future first-round picks and role players like Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, and Seth Curry provides both immediate and future flexibility. This trade aligns with the Hawks’ need to rebuild and find a more effective combination to support Trae Young.
