Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal 

The Hornets may not face the same pressing, existential questions that the Lakers do, but they still need a hard look in the mirror. 

Their participation in the play-in tournament in 2021-22 roughly met expectations, but it would be hard to say they surpassed them. Meanwhile, with Miles Bridges slated to miss the 2022-23 season, it’s hard to envision this team taking a step forward next year. 

Perhaps they ought to take a step back, instead. 

This deal buys the Hornets some time to re-evaluate. They know they have a franchise player in LaMelo Ball – they just know little else about their state of affairs. Following this trade, they’ll have more draft capital to make a subsequent trade after taking a year to identify their most pressing needs. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers & Charlotte Hornets Updates

This deal won’t make them better in 2022-23, but it could make them better down the road. Unlike the Lakers, they can afford to wait.