The Charlotte Hornets are a franchise that could use some good news. Things have gone south for them this NBA offseason, as nothing has gone according to plan. They fired head coach James Borrego and his replacement, Kenny Atkinson, backed out of becoming head coach, not even a week after it was announced.
Things haven’t been any better with the roster. Breakout forward Miles Bridges was poised to sign a contract that could have been a max deal, but he was arrested and charged with felony domestic violence and child abuse. His NBA future is in serious doubt as a result.
Not a single player has been signed from outside the organization yet, as the only free agent deal that was handed out was re-signing Cody Martin. Charlotte could still use some help on the interior at the center position, but at this point, any move to upgrade the roster would be seen as a positive development.
Could we see the Hornets emerge as a contender for Donovan Mitchell? They were one of the teams mentioned as a potential suitor outside of the New York Knicks along with the Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat. Out of that batch of teams, they are one of the more realistic landing spots.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: This Trade Sends Utah Jazz Star Donovan Mitchell To Charlotte Hornets
Washington just signed Bradley Beal to a max contract this offseason, so it is hard to imagine them bringing on another shooting guard. The Hawks traded three first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs for Dejounte Murray already. The Sacramento Kings also added multiple shooting guards in Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter. The Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat are both focused on Kevin Durant, leaving an opening for the Hornets.
What could a deal for Mitchell look like? One offer that Charlotte could present to the Utah Jazz is Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington, James Bouknight, first-round picks in 2024, 2026 and 2028 and a pick swap in 2029.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: This Trade Sends Utah Jazz Star Donovan Mitchell To Charlotte Hornets
That offer would certainly be a strong one. Utah is getting the draft capital that they seek and young players in Washington and Bouknight. The only downside is that Hayward’s contract runs through 2024, which could require more draft capital to be included to take him on. Washington is also entering the last season of his rookie contract and Utah has been looking to avoid having to work out rookie extensions.
Offering picks in the odd number years so that they can squeeze another one into the deal could push this over the top. With Mark Williams being selected No. 15 overall, the Hornets could also include Kai Jones, a first-round pick in 2021, as another sweetener.
