The Charlotte Hornets won 44 games last season and looked like a rising team. But, the 2022 NBA offseason crushed the franchise’s realistic chances of taking that next step. They now look like a team that is more interested in being in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes than making a playoff push.
Charlotte had the worst offseason of any franchise in the NBA easily. Their head coach target, Kenny Atkinson, had the job for less than a week before he decided to change course and remain with the Golden State Warriors as an assistant.
One of their core building blocks, Miles Bridges, was arrested and charged with felony domestic violence and child abuse, jeopardizing his NBA career.
On top of that, All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball has dealt with not one but two ankle injuries thus far this season, as he has played in only three games. As a result of that, the Hornets are currently tied for the fewest number of wins in the NBA, along with the Detroit Pistons, at seven.
With no real playoff aspirations, the Hornets are a team to keep an eye on ahead of the NBA trade deadline. There are plenty of useful veterans on the team, which the front office would probably love to trade to improve their odds in the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Gordon Hayward and Kelly Oubre Jr. are likely atop that list. Hayward will be difficult to move because of his contract and inability to remain healthy. He has played in only 11 games this season, but heading toward a rebuild, Hayward is a prime trade candidate, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Oubre, on the other hand, could have a healthy market. He has been one of the few bright spots for Charlotte this season, averaging a career-high 20.8 points per game. It isn’t coming very efficiently, but he couldn’t have picked a better time to have a career season, as he is playing on an expiring contract.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Money would also be a big factor in trading Oubre as the Hornets may not be willing to pay him the raise he is likely in line for. The same reasoning could make P.J. Washington available in trade as he and the Hornets weren’t close during rookie extension talks leading into the season.
