Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have had a rough offseason. Their biggest acquisition was selecting Mark Williams No. 15 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft after being part of a three-team trade that resulted in trading away the No. 13 overall pick, Jalen Duren. That is the only acquisition they have made, as Charlotte has signed zero free agents away from another team.

Their only free agent move this offseason, thus far, was re-signing Cody Martin. Unfortunately for the Hornets, they have found their name in the news for all the wrong reasons. Montrezl Harrell and Miles Bridges were both arrested, with Bridges’ basketball future being in doubt.

Charlotte could use a big move in the worst way. Potentially needing another franchise running mate for LaMelo Ball, they should get in the running for Donovan Mitchell. With Bridges’ future in serious doubt, the team needs a go-to scorer they can rely on and Mitchell would certainly fill that role.

The Charlotte Hornets would have a star-studded, marketable backcourt with Ball and Mitchell. They would be one of the best, young backcourt duos in the league and it would help keep pace with the Atlanta Hawks, who acquired Dejounte Murray in a trade this offseason.

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There would be some hurdles to get over in the deal, as the Jazz don’t want long-term money as they enter a rebuild. Finding a third team to take on Gordon Hayward or Terry Rozier could be required, but the Hornets can match the salary for Mitchell on their own. 

They can also then send at least four first-round picks to Utah and also include swaps. Young players, expiring deals and draft capital is what the Jazz are looking for and the Charlotte Hornets, if willing, can build a package that includes all of that.