How This Trade Impacts Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets need to do whatever they can to bolster their depth at the center position. Montrezl Harrell is heading into free agency and they could use an upgrade on Mason Plumlee, who is better suited to come off the bench.
If the Phoenix Suns are ready to move on from Deandre Ayton, the Hornets need to try and take advantage, aggressively pursuing him. Ayton is a perfect fit alongside the other building blocks that Charlotte has on the roster in LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.
Ball and Ayton would be a dynamic pick-and-roll pairing. In the open court, Ayton is athletic enough to create some havoc along with the high-flying Bridges. In the halfcourt, Ayton has shown solid development with his mid-range shooting to keep defenses honest.
Most importantly, Ayton can help the Hornets stabilize their defense. That end of the court has been an issue for them, but the No. 1 overall pick in the 20218 NBA Draft has shown that he can be a solid anchor during his time with the Suns.
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Only turning 24-years old in July, Ayton fits the timeline of the other cornerstones in Charlotte. Trading away that much frontcourt depth will also open up playing time for 2021 first-round pick Kai Jones, who was glued to the bench throughout his rookie season.
A starting five of Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges and Ayton could certainly make some noise in the Eastern Conference. The team would need to add some depth behind them, but they would have the makings of a solid nucleus.
