The Charlotte Hornets are in that weird spot where they’re not tanking but also aren’t exactly rolling over teams at the 8th spot, sitting at 4-7 to kick off the season. LaMelo Ball’s doing his thing, putting up 29.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds, but it’s not translating to the wins they need. They’ve dealt with some injuries, and consistency has been hard to find – it’s like they take two steps forward and one step back. First-year head coach Charles Lee is still figuring out what works, but this squad definitely looks like it could use a little spark.
That’s where some trade talk comes in, even if it’s all hypothetical. Many players would be a great fit in Charlotte – some are actually possible, and others are just the stuff of dreams. Let’s dive into three realistic trade options and three that are, well, a little far-fetched but fun to imagine.
The Realistic Targets
Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Offer To The Bulls: Grant Williams, Josh Green, Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, 2027 First-Round Pick (Mavericks)
Zach LaVine’s season so far with the Bulls has him averaging 22.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He’s still got that smooth jumper, those highlight-reel dunks, and the scoring ability that can make any defense sweat. But, here’s the kicker: despite his individual numbers, the Bulls are stumbling out of the gate with a 5-7 record. It’s not the start Chicago fans were hoping for when the Bulls held on to LaVine and Vucevic instead of moving them in the offseason, and it’s definitely fueling some chatter about his future again.
LaVine’s contract situation is a big part of this story. Back in 2022, the Bulls locked him up with a massive five-year, $215 million max deal, showing they were all-in on him as their franchise guy. But even back then, some folks questioned if he was worth that level of commitment, especially considering his history of knee issues. Fast forward to this past offseason, and the Bulls were already reportedly exploring trade options for LaVine, which got a lot of people wondering if he might actually be on the move with DeRozan and Caruso leaving. While there were no confirmed offers or surefire deals, teams around the league were keeping an eye on the situation, knowing the Bulls were open to shaking things up if the right opportunity came along.
Now, here’s where the Hornets come in. Imagine a Charlotte team with LaMelo Ball and Zach LaVine running the show – that’s a backcourt with crazy offensive potential. LaMelo’s passing and court vision combined with LaVine’s scoring would create some serious fireworks. LaVine would slot in as that go-to scorer who can handle the ball, spot up, or take defenders one-on-one. For a team like Charlotte, that’s been stuck in the middle of the pack, this could be the kind of bold move that pushes them into playoff contention. Plus, LaVine’s athleticism and quickness could fit nicely in a fast-paced system that the Hornets are building around LaMelo.
But, of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. LaVine’s contract is huge, with him set to earn $43 million in the 2024-25 season alone. That’s a lot of cap space tied up in one player, which means Charlotte would have to maneuver carefully to make it work financially. Adding to the complexity is LaVine’s history of knee injuries. While he’s stayed mostly healthy lately, investing in a player with that background on such a massive contract is risky, especially for a smaller market team like Charlotte that doesn’t have endless resources.
In a perfect world, LaVine would bring exactly what the Hornets need: a proven scorer to ease the offensive load on LaMelo and keep defenses from keying in on him. But the financial strain and the injury concerns make this a high-risk, high-reward scenario.
Jerami Grant
Potential Trade Offer To The Trail Blazers: Grant Williams, Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick
Jerami Grant could be a game-changing addition for the Hornets, who need a versatile forward with experience and defensive strength. Grant’s putting up solid numbers in Portland this season, averaging 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He’s a reliable scorer who can defend multiple positions and add a bit of grit to any roster. Yet, even with Grant’s contributions, the Blazers are sitting at a disappointing 4-8, struggling to find their footing in a season that already has the look of another rebuild. Given Portland’s rough start, there’s a growing sense that it might make sense for them to part ways with Grant as they commit more fully to developing their young talent.
When the Blazers signed Grant to a five-year, $160 million deal last summer, it looked like a move to keep a veteran leader alongside their emerging core, especially with Damian Lillard headed out and rookie Scoot Henderson coming in as their new foundational piece. But with Portland’s early season struggles, Grant’s role as a high-cost veteran on a rebuilding team might be less essential than they initially anticipated. A trade could help them clear cap space and bring in younger assets that fit better with their long-term outlook.
For the Hornets, Grant’s skill set would be a fantastic fit. He’s a forward who can create his own offense, knock down threes, and play tough on-ball defense against bigger forwards. Pairing him with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller would bring a well-rounded scoring option that could alleviate some of the offensive pressure on their young playmaker. Defensively, Grant would fill a crucial gap in Charlotte’s lineup, especially when facing larger, physical wings who tend to give them trouble. Grant’s playoff experience from his previous stints in Oklahoma City and Denver would also bring invaluable leadership to a young team looking to take the next step toward contention.
Still, Grant’s $160 million contract poses a challenge. He’s set to make $29 million this season, and taking on his salary would require Charlotte to navigate some financial adjustments, possibly parting with key rotation players. Portland might also hesitate to part with Grant just months into his contract without a substantial return, especially since his leadership could be valuable if the team wants a more balanced approach to their rebuild. The Hornets’ 2027 first-round pick would add value, but it’s uncertain if it would be enough to sway the Blazers, who could hold out for a larger package if they do move him.
In summary, while Grant’s presence would make Charlotte more competitive and well-rounded, his contract and the potential hesitation from Portland make this trade a challenging one to execute.
Julius Randle
Potential Trade Offer To The Timberwolves: Grant Williams, Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick (Mavericks)
Julius Randle could bring some serious firepower to the Hornets’ offense, but his current fit with the Timberwolves? Not exactly seamless. Right now, Randle’s putting up 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, which shows he’s still a big offensive threat. But Minnesota’s got a bit of a logjam going on in the paint with Randle and Rudy Gobert sharing the floor. Both of them like to do work around the basket, and that overlap has led to spacing issues, making it tricky for both to shine. Plus, Randle’s defense isn’t exactly stellar, and that doesn’t help when paired with Gobert, who needs more support on the perimeter.
Grant Williams would probably be a way better fit for Minnesota. His three-point shooting gives Gobert more room to operate inside, and defensively, Williams can switch onto different matchups, which would shore up the Wolves’ versatility on that end. So if Minnesota wants to keep Gobert’s strengths maximized, Grant Williams looks like the smarter play.
But for the Hornets? Randle’s instant offense would be a dream. He’s the kind of player who thrives with the green light to score, and in Charlotte, he’d get the freedom to create and play his game, adding another layer of threat next to LaMelo Ball. The Hornets could definitely use a guy who can put up points and take some of the weight off LaMelo in crunch time.
Remember, Randle’s fresh off a trade from the Knicks this past offseason, a move that swapped him for Karl-Anthony Towns in a big shake-up for both teams. The Timberwolves hope Randle can be a good fit, but with the spacing and defensive concerns piling up, they might already be rethinking the move.
All in all, Randle’s skill set would give the Hornets that offensive boost they’re craving. The question is whether Minnesota’s ready to admit he might not be the ideal fit with Gobert and consider a deal that brings in Williams, who suits their lineup a bit more naturally.
The Unrealistic Targets
Jimmy Butler
Potential Trade Offer to the Heat: Miles Bridges, Josh Green, Cody Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick (Hornets)
Jimmy Butler to the Hornets? It sounds exciting, but it’s pretty much a fantasy for a few reasons. Let’s start with Jimmy’s current season – he’s averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, which is a bit of a dip from his usual output. He’s still that clutch, gritty guy we know, but the numbers don’t scream “superstar” right now.
Then there’s his contract situation. Jimmy’s making close to $49 million this season, and he’s got a player option for over $52 million next year. That means he could just decide to hit free agency after this season, leaving the Hornets with nothing if he walks. For Charlotte, that’s a huge gamble, especially if they’re giving up solid players like Miles Bridges and Josh Green plus a future first-round pick. It’d be a big hit if Butler just dipped after one season.
And let’s be real – Butler is the heart of the Miami Heat. He’s led them on multiple deep playoff runs, including a trip to the Finals twice, and he’s practically become the face of that franchise. The Heat aren’t going to let him go unless they get a haul that matches his value – and as good as Bridges, Green, and a pick are, they’re not exactly the star-caliber package Miami would probably demand.
So, while the thought of Butler bringing his playoff experience and fire to Charlotte is fun, the odds of Miami letting him go for this kind of package are slim. Plus, it’s risky for the Hornets to take on that contract without knowing if he’d stick around.
Cam Thomas
Potential Trade Offer to the Nets: Tidjane Salaun, 2027 First-Round Pick (Hornets), 2027 First-Round Pick (Mavericks)
Cam Thomas has quickly become a critical part of the Brooklyn Nets’ rebuild, emerging as one of the league’s brightest young scorers this season. He’s currently averaging 24.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, proving he’s more than just a spark off the bench – he’s a legitimate offensive weapon. For a Nets team that’s gone through massive changes recently, Thomas’s production is one of the few positives they can lean on as they reshape their identity.
The Nets have been in full rebuild mode since the 2023 season, following trades that sent stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving out of town. Durant went to the Phoenix Suns, and Irving joined the Dallas Mavericks, effectively closing the chapter on Brooklyn’s short-lived “superteam” era. Those trades left the team with a mix of veterans and young players, setting them up for a reset. This summer, they also moved Mikal Bridges, another major piece, marking a full commitment to youth and asset accumulation. Now, with a 5-6 record, they’re clearly a work in progress, focused on player development rather than immediate playoff contention.
Thomas’s leap has been a pleasant surprise, especially for a team lacking a clear offensive star. He’s made the most of his expanded role, capitalizing on the green light he’s been given to score. At just 22 years old, his shot creation and scoring versatility make him an exciting piece for Brooklyn’s future. He’s shown he can lead the offense on any given night, and with his scoring ability, he’s quickly become a fan favorite. Thomas’s impending restricted free agency after the 2024-25 season does add a layer of intrigue to his situation. If he keeps performing at this level, he’s likely to attract big offers from other teams, which could put the Nets in a tough spot financially. Matching a high offer sheet could potentially stretch their cap space, especially as they look to maintain flexibility for future moves.
Given his current trajectory, it’s hard to imagine the Nets moving him, especially for a package like the proposed trade from Charlotte. Tidjane Salaun and two future first-round picks are solid assets, but Thomas’s immediate impact and future potential probably outweigh the value of those picks. Brooklyn needs someone who can put points on the board every night, and Thomas has proven he’s capable of doing just that. Unless the Hornets or another team are willing to offer something significant – like a high lottery pick or an established young star – it’s unlikely the Nets would part ways with one of their most promising players.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Potential Trade Offer to the Grizzlies: Grant Williams, Vasilije Micic, Nick Smith Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (Hornets), 2027 First-Round Pick (Mavericks)
Jaren Jackson Jr. would be a dream addition for the Hornets, but also it’s pretty unlikely Memphis would ever go for this trade. Jackson is having a strong 2024-25 season, averaging 21.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and keeping up his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the league. His shot-blocking and defensive awareness are huge assets for Memphis, and he’s also stretching the floor offensively, which gives the Grizzlies a unique weapon on both ends.
The Grizzlies are currently sitting at a solid 7-4, putting them in 6th place in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. They’ve been managing without Ja Morant, who’s gone down with an injury, so having someone like Jackson to hold down the fort has been crucial. Memphis sees him as a cornerstone, especially with Morant out, and his defensive impact has been keeping them competitive night in and night out.
Now, the proposed trade from Charlotte includes Grant Williams, Vasilije Micic, Nick Smith Jr., and two future first-round picks. It’s a decent haul, but here’s the thing – Jackson’s value to Memphis is through the roof. Grant Williams brings solid defense and floor spacing, which are nice pieces to have, but he’s not on Jackson’s level defensively or offensively. Vasilije Micic and Nick Smith Jr. are young and unproven in the NBA, so while they have potential, they’re not exactly the kind of assets that would make Memphis feel comfortable parting with a defensive anchor like Jackson.
From Charlotte’s perspective, landing Jackson would be a game-changer. He’d bring an immediate defensive boost to a team that needs it, and his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting would work perfectly next to LaMelo Ball. Imagine the Hornets having a frontcourt piece like Jackson who can block shots, score inside, and hit from outside – it would be a perfect fit and take a lot of pressure off LaMelo. Charlotte would finally have a defensive anchor and a versatile offensive piece in the frontcourt, something they’ve been lacking.
But let’s be real – Memphis letting go of Jackson is highly unlikely. He’s not just a good player; he’s a foundational piece for them, especially with Ja Morant in and out of the lineup. Jackson’s defense and scoring are essential to how they’re built, and unless someone offers them a package that completely reshapes their future, it’s hard to see them moving him. So while Jackson on the Hornets sounds amazing, it’s probably just a pipe dream.
