Hornets Could Pull Off Major Offseason Trade For Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Charlotte Hornets are in a tough spot entering the 2023 offseason. The franchise looked to have turned a corner somewhat in recent years, qualifying for the NBA Play-In Tournament and increasing their win total by 10 in each of James Borrego’s last two seasons with the franchise. But, the bottom fell out once again during the 2022-23 season.

Miles Bridges missed the entire season as he dealt with off-the-court issues stemming from an arrest for domestic violence and child abuse. LaMelo Ball suffered an ankle injury before the season started and was injured multiple times throughout the campaign, which was cut short because of a broken ankle.

With overpaid veterans and lottery picks not performing up to standards, the team struggled to a 27-55 record during the season. This is a franchise that needs a total overhaul, again, as they have one long-term building block in Ball.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat & Charlotte Hornets Updates

Some lottery luck and having the opportunity to select Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft would be ideal. But, it will take more than that for the Hornets to get out of the doldrums of the league.

It will be a long process, but the Hornets need to start somewhere. Taking on albatross contracts with draft capital attached is a good place to start. That is exactly what was suggested over at Bleacher Report as an offseason move for the franchise.

The Hornets could trade Terry Rozier and James Bouknight to the Miami Heat in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a top-eight protected first-round pick in 2027. While that pick won’t convey for a while, having extra draft capital is always a positive for a rebuilding team.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat & Charlotte Hornets Updates

While Charlotte would remain capped out for now, there would be a light at the end of the tunnel getting near. In 2024, Lowry would have $29.7 million coming off the books in addition to Gordon Hayward’s $31.5 million. That is a ton of space that they could use to either upgrade the roster in free agency or take on more unwanted contracts with draft picks attached.

For the Heat, they are getting a major upgrade with Rozier inserted into the lineup for Lowry. Lowry was a huge acquisition in 2021 but things have not panned out as his production has plummeted and he has struggled to stay on the court. Rozier’s two-way skill set would fit in well on South Beach.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat & Charlotte Hornets Updates

Bouknight is also a worthwhile flier. He has shown nothing at the NBA level just far but we have seen what Heat culture can do for young players. If any franchise can get his career on track and help him realize the potential that led to him being selected No. 11 in 2021 it is the Heat.

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