After missing the playoffs once again, the Charlotte Hornets must consider trades this offseason to improve their roster. Their offense ranks among one of the best in the league, but there are other areas that they can improve on.
Charlotte Hornets: Two Trades to Consider
Upgrading the Center Position
Charlotte Hornets receive Richaun Holmes.
Sacramento Kings receive Mason Plumlee and two second-round picks.
Sacramento seemed to veer off of Holmes usage this season after re-signing him. This was even more apparent after their trade for Domantas Sabonis. For this reason, Holmes becomes expendable.
This past season, Holmes averaged roughly 10 points, seven rebounds, and a block per game. When playing 29 minutes per game, in 2020/21, Holmes averaged about 14 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game. He also shot a very solid 79 percent from the free-throw line. When given the minutes he deserves, Holmes can surely produce. He’ll score in the double-digits regularly on the Hornets’ offense. Holmes will also be an exciting rim-flyer alongside LaMelo Ball. After this season, Holmes will have three more years on his contract which benefits Charlotte.
Sacramento still gets center help with Plumlee. He’ll be a valuable player this next season, but will also be playing on an expiring contract. This gives Sacramento financial flexibility in the following offseason, but Plumlee can also be traded for other assets midseason should Sacramento fall short of any playoff consideration. Then, of course, the Kings get two draft picks here.
The Ideal Trade
Charlotte Hornets receive Myles Turner ad Oshae Brissett.
Indiana Pacers receive Mason Plumlee, PJ Washington, James Bouknight, and a second-round pick.
Turner is everything the Hornets need and more. He’s a ferocious shot-blocker and will offer excellent rim protection. He’s also an offensive weapon capable of stretching the floor, which will only bolster the Hornets’ great offense. This past season he averaged about 13 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks per game. He shot 33 percent from three, which isn’t outstanding, but overall an asset to have for a center. In short, Turner cannot be left completely open on the perimeter by opposing defenses or he will shoot. On paper, Turner in Charlotte sounds like a match made in heaven. In addition, the Hornets get a solid depth option at forward with Brissett who just averaged about nine points and five boards per game.
Plumlee can slot in as a temporary center fix for Indiana. The Pacers look to be entering a rebuild, so Plumlee will also attract interest from other teams come next season’s trade deadline. Washington is a great player to have here. He’s young and extremely versatile. He can instantly start for the Pacers, as well as be their future starting four, forming a solid duo with the up-and-coming star Tyrese Haliburton. Bouknight was a lottery pick in the last draft, although struggled for minutes in Charlotte. The potential to grow is still there, and minutes will be there in the Pacers’ backcourt assuming they commit to a rebuild. Finally, the second-round pick adds draft capital.
Main Image: Embed from Getty Images
