The botched Mark Williams trade between the Hornets and Lakers is arguably one of the most bizarre developments of the season. The Lakers, who rescinded the trade, are now facing the possibility of appearing in a mock trial after the Hornets continue to argue their case to the league.
“The Hornets, they are not giving up on this deal,” said Dave McMenamin. “The Hornets are in the process of petitioning the NBA to have a ruling on this trade and they are going to try to reverse it once again. My understanding is this will be almost like a mock trial that the NBA will put on and both teams will present their cases.”
The Lakers made a move for Mark Williams in the hours following the Luka deal. The departure of Anthony Davis left a hole at center, and Doncic needs to have a capable big man to help dominate the rim.
As a young and athletic center, Mark Williams was the perfect target for the Lakers, until they canceled the deal at the last minute due to Williams not passing his physical. The Lakers have tried to move on with their current roster (even adding Alex Len in free agency) but the Hornets refuse to let it go, and they believe the Lakers had no good reason to cancel the trade.
The current CBA allows for trade partners to rescind a deal if specific conditions are not met, such as the players involved failing a physical. The team can fail the player based on almost any criteria but we don’t know for sure what the Lakers found that was problematic.
The only thing that matters is that they found enough to call off the trade and they sent all players back to their respective teams. This decision did not come lightly for the Lakers, especially given that they will now have to rely on two second-string centers to fill out their frontcourt.
It’s also having an impact on the morale in the locker room, which has been tainted after the failed trade. Both Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish have been seen looking unhappy after the canceled deal sent them back to the Lakers.
Regarding the details of the mock trial, it would be the first of its kind in NBA history. It would act like a courtroom, with each team presenting their case to a judge of NBA personnel, who will rule for or against the Hornets.
It remains to be seen what will happen, but if the NBA lets it go as far as a trial, the Hornets may have a case. If somehow they’re able to win this ordeal, it will make things even more complicated by sending Willims back to the Lakers where he clearly would rather be (he has not yet reported back to the Hornets).
It’s a weird situation for everyone involved but the NBA may have to step in here to settle this dispute and it will set a precedent for all teams going forward.
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