NBA Trade Outcome No. 3 – Charlotte Makes A Splash

These are all hypothetical, but this one is hypothetical and contingent on an opt-in. But the opt-in is expected, so here we go:

The Charlotte Hornets acquire DeMar DeRozan after he opts-in to his contract in San Antonio. DeRozan is widely expected to opt-in, and he’s never felt like the perfect fit in San Antonio, only acquired after Kawhi Leonard forced his way out.

The 2020 season was Charlotte’s first since Kemba Walker departed, and he was swiftly replaced with Terry Rozier. But the Hornets are still missing something. In DeRozan, they’d receive a proven veteran with playoff experience and an abundance of familiarity with the Eastern Conference.

For DeRozan, it would give him the fresh start that it appears he needs. The trade out of Toronto seemed to take a toll on him, and this would give him a clean slate in Charlotte.