The Charlotte Hornets’ 2024-25 season was another tough one to handle, plagued by injuries to key players like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams. This unfortunate series of events led to a disappointing record, extending their playoff drought to nine consecutive seasons.
However, the silver lining emerged in the form of securing the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Finally, there could be a way for the Hornets to start improving their current roster. With LaMelo Ball at the helm, the Hornets have a dynamic playmaker capable of leading a competitive team.
The challenge lies in surrounding him with the right pieces to maximize his potential and steer the team towards success. The No. 4 pick could be used to select a promising prospect like VJ Edgecombe, but perhaps they should look towards making some heavy moves this summer.
The Hornets could explore trade options, using the pick to acquire an established star who can make an immediate impact. Let’s go through the eight NBA stars the Hornets could land this summer by trading the No. 4 overall pick.
1. Zion Williamson
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Josh Green, Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, 2025 No. 4 Overall Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick (CHO)
Zion Williamson is still one of the most electrifying talents in the NBA. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, shooting an impressive 56.7% from the field. Zion would be a nightmare for defenders and a dynamic partner for LaMelo Ball, although injuries limited him to just 30 games this season.
Pairing Zion with Ball would create a formidable duo, blending playmaking and scoring prowess. The proposed trade, involving Josh Green, Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, the 2025 No. 4 pick, and a 2031 first-rounder, is substantial but could be justified if Williamson stays healthy and reaches his full potential.
2. Domantas Sabonis
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Domantas Sabonis
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Green, Grant Williams, 2025 No. 4 Overall Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick (CHO)
Domantas Sabonis is a consistent double-double machine, leading the league with 13.9 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season, along with 19.1 points and 6.0 assists, while shooting 59.0% from the field. His high basketball IQ and passing ability make him an ideal fit alongside LaMelo Ball, facilitating a fluid and unselfish offense.
Acquiring Sabonis would provide the Hornets with a reliable interior presence and a secondary playmaker. The trade package, including Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Green, Grant Williams, the 2025 No. 4 pick, and a 2031 first-rounder, is significant but brings in a proven All-Star caliber player who can elevate the team’s competitiveness immediately.
3. Lauri Markkanen
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Green, Grant Williams, 2025 No. 4 Overall Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick (CHO)
Lauri Markkanen offers a unique blend of size and shooting, averaging 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season. Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor would complement LaMelo Ball’s playmaking because he is only 27 years old and already has an All-Star Team under his belt.
The trade, involving Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Green, Grant Williams, the 2025 No. 4 pick, and a 2031 first-rounder, would bring in a forward who can contribute immediately and fit into the team’s long-term plans. Markkanen’s skill set aligns well with the modern NBA’s emphasis on versatility and shooting, things that could take them out of the lottery and into the postseason.
4. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Josh Green, Tidjane Salaun, Josh Okogie, 2025 No. 4 Overall Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick (CHO)
Jaren Jackson Jr. is a defensive stalwart, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, with a field goal percentage of 48.8%. His shot-blocking ability and defensive versatility would bolster the Hornets’ interior defense dramatically. The Hornets need help on that end, as they allowed 114.2 PPG, 16th in the league.
The proposed trade, sending Josh Green, Tidjane Salaun, Josh Okogie, the 2025 No. 4 pick, and a 2031 first-rounder to Memphis, would be a significant investment. However, acquiring a player of Jackson’s caliber could solidify the Hornets’ frontcourt and provide a strong defensive anchor.
5. Norman Powell
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Norman Powell
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Josh Green, Tidjane Salaun, 2025 No. 4 Overall Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick (CHO)
Norman Powell had a standout season, averaging 21.8 points per game with a 48.4% field goal percentage. His scoring ability and experience would be a major upgrade as the veteran was an All-Star snub this past season.
The trade, involving Josh Green, Tidjane Salaun, the 2025 No. 4 pick, and a 2031 second-rounder, would bring in a veteran scorer who can contribute immediately. Powell’s presence could provide a scoring punch off the bench or as a starter, depending on team needs.
6. Myles Turner
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Myles Turner (Sign-and-Trade)
Indiana Pacers Receive: Josh Green, Grant Williams, 2025 No. 4 Overall Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick (CHO)
Myles Turner is known for his shot-blocking and defensive presence, averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. His ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor with his shooting makes him a valuable asset.
Acquiring Turner through a sign-and-trade involving Josh Green, Grant Williams, the 2025 No. 4 pick, and a 2031 second-rounder would enhance the Hornets’ interior defense and provide a reliable scoring option in the paint. Turner’s experience and skill set align well with the team’s needs right now, because he is an upgrade over the current big men.
7. Jarrett Allen
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jarrett Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Okogie, 2025 No. 4 Overall Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick (CHO)
Jarrett Allen offers a strong interior presence, averaging 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, with a league-leading 70.6% field goal percentage. His efficiency and rebounding would be valuable assets for the Hornets, who are seemingly still undecided on what to do with Mark Williams.
The trade, sending Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Okogie, the 2025 No. 4 pick, and a 2031 second-rounder to Cleveland, would bring in a perfect modern center who can anchor the defense and contribute offensively. Allen’s consistency and experience would benefit the team’s development as well, as he is coming off multiple playoff runs with the Cavaliers.
8. Anfernee Simons
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Anfernee Simons
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Josh Green, Grant Williams, 2025 No. 4 Overall Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick (CHO)
Anfernee Simons is a dynamic scorer, averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate offense would complement LaMelo Ball in the backcourt perfectly well.
Simons’ scoring prowess and potential for growth make him an intriguing addition to the Hornets’ core, although the team would likely have to find a way to cover for them defensively. Simons is a guaranteed 20 PPG scorer, so at least Ball gets help offensively.
