Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal 

Frankly, this deal is a no-brainer for the Hornets. It has the potential to help them now, and down the line. 

In the short term, this team could use a big man. Granted, Vucevic may not be the big most fans picture in Charlotte. He’s not much of a lob threat or a rim protector. Regardless, his ability to space the floor while functioning as a secondary playmaker should help the Hornets in 2022-23. 

Realistically, Vucevic is a placeholder. He’ll hold the starting spot while incoming rookie Mark Williams develops. We wouldn’t even be shocked if he usurped the veteran in the starting lineup as the year progressed. That would be perfectly fine. 

After all, the Hornets’ second motivation here is to clear cap space. They’re moving Rozier’s deal, which has four years remaining, for an expiring contract. Depending on how 2022-23 goes, the Hornets could let Vucevic walk, or re-sign him at a presumably much lower price than his current contract.

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Either way, they got a long-term deal off their books, increasing the flexibility they need as a rebuilding club. 

Sometimes, the simplest deal is the most beneficial one you can make.