Does this trade make sense for the Charlotte Hornets?
Ben Simmons could fit in better with a team with a backcourt in place. The Charlotte Hornets seem to fit the mold there with LaMelo Ball and Devonte’ Graham, assuming the team were to bring back Graham after he reaches restricted free agency this offseason.
After a run to the play-in games of the postseason, Charlotte was eliminated without officially clinching a spot. In a top-heavy Eastern Conference, the Hornets have to believe that they will be in the hunt next season and a player like Simmons could help.
Any team that makes a trade for Simmons has to have a plan. They cannot have him come in and expect to be the No. 1 scorer or point guard at this moment. Simmons would benefit from more of an off-the-ball role.
In Charlotte, Simmons could use his versatility to play many positions on both ends. He cam roam down low a bit more with a loaded backcourt in place. Simmons is not going to succeed with the ball in his hands out on the perimeter. That is what Ball and Graham are for. Charlotte needs some help down low and Simmons could be in play in some capacity, potentially as a small-ball five, too.
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The Hornets have the core to make the postseason next year and could be looking for that max player. Simmons has the contract and would be able to attempt to bring the prowess there as well.