How This Trade Impacts Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have made some good strides this season. They are currently 35-35, which puts them in 9th place in the Eastern Conference. They are squarely in the mix for a spot in the Play-In Tournament, but if they want to continue climbing the standings next season, they need to get better defensively.
Charlotte is ranked 23rd in defensive rating this season according to Basketball-Reference. If they can push toward being even an average defensive team, they could be fighting for a spot outside of the Play-In Tournament.
Acquiring someone such as Rudy Gobert would help them do that. Having an anchor of his caliber would help turn the team around immediately on the defensive end of the court. He is a premier rim protector, something Charlotte could certainly use.
The trade package is an affordable one, as well. They have played a lot without Gordon Hayward, so he won’t be missed as much as originally thought, especially with Kelly Oubre Jr. playing well and Miles Bridges’ emergence. P.J. Washington likely wouldn’t be retained on an extension, so flipping him for value makes sense.
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Kai Jones has some potential as a 2021 first-round pick, but finding minutes in Charlotte has been difficult. The Hornets can offer one first-round pick and one second-round pick as draft compensation to try and entice Utah as well.
