Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal

The Charlotte Hornets missed the playoffs last year, but they flashed tremendous potential. Realistically, a player like Deandre Ayton is the missing piece they need to get them there.

Of course, and once again, they’ll miss Bridges’ production. Moreover, they’re moving P.J. Washington, a comparable player, in the course of landing Ayton. This trade will not fast-track them to serious title contention.

In fact, in the aggregate, losing Bridges and Washington while adding Ayton may not even make them better in 2022-23. Still, if Ayton was the missing piece last year, they should add him. The next step will be to replace Bridges and Washington.

That’s easier said than done, but not impossible. Athletic, two-way wings are among the most coveted players in the NBA. They’re also among the most abundantly available.

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If the Hornets only move laterally this offseason, they’d still be setting themselves up for a step forward eventually by acquiring Ayton. Are the Phoenix Suns getting enough in return for the former number-one pick?