Richaun Holmes, Daniel Theis on the Hornets’ radar

With Cody Zeller, Devonte’ Graham, Malik Monk, Bismack Biyombo and Brad Wanamaker set to become free agents this offseason, the Hornets will have about $29M in cap space that they will be able to use to possibly bring in some more high-level talent to their roster. 

READ MORE: NBA Trade Rumors: 3 moves for the Charlotte Hornets to take the next step in 2021-22

It is expected that the Hornets will look to bring back Devonte’ Graham on a long-term contract, but they could very well let the rest of their free agents walk, using the remaining cap space that they have to bring in a key frontcourt player to pair with P.J. Washington. 

This is not going to be a highly talented free agent class this year and the options are limited in terms of what Charlotte could go after, but two names that have been talked about within this organization and have peaked interest are Richaun Holmes of the Sacramento Kings and Daniel Theis of the Chicago Bulls. Keep an eye on them in NBA rumors as free agency approaches.

Holmes had a career-year in Sacramento and at just 27-years-old, he is viewed to be arguably the best center available in free agency this offseason. In 61 games with the Kings, Holmes averaged 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and shot 63.7% from the floor. 

READ MORE: NBA Trade Rumors: 3 front-court targets for the Charlotte Hornets in the offseason

The best part of his game, besides being a bruiser in the paint on both ends of the court, is that he is extremely athletic and that “new” mold teams are looking for at the center position. He is not going to stretch the floor and knock down perimeter shots, but Richaun Holmes is extremely athletic and has an excellent touch around the rim. 

He is definitely going to be on the Hornets’ radar, but another name that has come up in talks with the Hornets is Daniel Theis. After starting the season with Boston, Theis was traded to the Bulls as part of a three-team deal at the NBA trade deadline. Daniel Theis was always a productive, tough-minded center in Boston and in Chicago, he was much of the same player. 

In 65 total games this season, Theis averaged 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and shot 54.1% from the floor, 32.2% from three-point range. He is not going to be the same high-potential, high-reward player that Richaun Holmes will be, but Theis is a great pivot option for the Hornets at the center position should they not be able to land one of the top guys. 

Charlotte is going to make a move this offseason in free agency and it seems highly-likely that they add a key big man to better their chances to be a playoff threat next season. Other names that have floated around in Hornets’ rumors recently in the frontcourt include: Hassan Whiteside (Kings), Montrezl Harrell (Lakers), Enes Kanter (Blazers) and Mitchell Robinson (Knicks).