How This Trade Impacts Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have to find a way to raise their ceiling without sacrificing too much of their future assets. They have one star in point guard LaMelo Ball but they likely have to find him a running mate because Miles Bridges’ NBA future is up in the air right now.
Taking a shot on a player of Julius Randle’s caliber is the kind of move that they should be making. Randle has already shown that he can play at an elite All-Star level and in Charlotte, things would be even easier as Ball would be the best point guard he has ever played alongside.
Randle is a little older than Bridges is, as he will be 28 this season while Bridges will be 24. However, the difference in skill level is evident. Last season was a down year for Randle, yet the only real difference in performance was their efficiency. Bridges averaged 0.1 more points per game but Randle has the clear edge in rebounding and as a playmaker.
While he lacked attention to detail at times on defense last season, Randle even had the edge there. Surrendering no draft capital would be a win for Charlotte as well, but they would be sacrificing a good amount of depth.
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Kelly Oubre Jr., Mason Plumlee and P.J. Washington were all integral parts of their rotation last season. If there is one positive to trading them it is that playing time will be opened up for some of their younger players that were buried on the bench last season or added to the team this offseason.
Replacing Bridges is certainly not easy, but Randle would represent a very good alternative option as he enters his prime years.
