After another rebuilding year, the Charlotte Hornets enter the NBA offseason eager to improve their young core. With two franchise cornerstones and a top-10 pick in the NBA Draft, the Hornets could make significant strides this offseason. Let’s dive into their current situation and some possible moves for the Hornets.
2024 NBA Offseason Preview: What’s Next For The Hornets?
Season recap
The Hornets doubled down on their rebuild going 21-61 this year. This marked their eighth straight season missing the playoffs. It also marked the start of a new era as before the season Michael Jordan sold the team to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall. Notably, star guard LaMelo Ball suffered another injury-riddled year only appearing in 22 games. The Hornets traded Terry Rozier to the Heat and PJ Washington to the Mavericks before the deadline. While this resulted in a few players including Grant Williams the main appeal of these deals was draft capital the Hornets landed two future first-round picks in these trades. These moves signified a further commitment to rebuilding. As did the mid-season hiring of new GM Jeff Peterson.
One of the bright spots of the Hornets’ season was Brandon Miller’s rookie year. Miller averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, on .444/.373/.827 shooting splits and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. The Hornets are looking to build around Miller and Ball entering the offseason. The emergence of Mark Williams as a consistent double-double threat and starting big man was also notable.
Additionally, head coach Steve Clifford stepped down after this season. Charlotte later hired respected Celtics’ assistant Charles Lee. This once again highlights a new rebuilding era.
Cap space and draft picks
5 million in Cap Space
The Hornets have 5 million dollars in projected cap space. Giving them a full mid-level expectation to spend in free agency. However, they can create up to 31 million dollars in cap. It’s unclear if the Hornets will try to do so as there aren’t any top free agents who fit their timeline. Another possibility is the Hornets use this space to land an unwanted contract in a salary dump move this scenario would allow the Hornets to further build up their draft capital.
6th overall pick
Primary Targets
The Hornets have a wide range of draft targets as they continue to rebuild. The most notable need might be another guard next to LaMelo Ball as he is often injured and could benefit from another backcourt partner after Charlotte traded Terry Rozier. As a result, Castle, Sheppard, and Dillingham are intriguing fits.
Holland and Buzelis offer high upside as wings who the Hornets could develop nicely next to Brandon Miller. Cody Williams, Dalton Knecht, and Tidjane Salaun are additional wing options. However, given the Hornets rebuilding stage, they might target the best available talent, and if Clingan falls they would in all likelihood take him.
Pending Free Agents and Possible Departures
Free agents
- Miles Bridges
- Davis Bertans (Player option)
- JT Thor
- Amari Bailey (Two-way)
Bridges is an unrestricted free agent given the Hornets rebuilding efforts he might not be brought back. However, his open market value is low due to his off-the-court actions. Perhaps a team like the Pistons or 76ers offers Bridges an overpay. Alternatively, teams like the Clippers, Lakers, or Warriors could offer him a cheap prove-it deal and a chance to contribute to win-now basketball.
Ultimately, though there’s still a strong chance the Hornets re-sign him to a fair team-friendly deal and a Bridges return has been rumored recently. Bertans’ 16 million dollar player option is noteworthy. He would likely not get 16 million on the open market so look for Bertans to opt in to his contract. The Hornets could waive Bertans to create more cap space. If both Bridges and Bertans are off the books along with other minor moves the Hornets could create up to 30 million dollars in cap.
Trade Pieces
- Grant Williams
- Cody Martin
- Nick Richards
No major trades should be on the Hornets’ radar. They should target a young player who isn’t given the proper opportunity or clear cap space to overpay for a young free agent. Williams would be moved in the ladder scenario or if the Hornets target a higher-end young star. Martin could be a smaller piece moved if the Hornets draft a wing, same for Richards if they draft Clingan.
Realistic Offseason Targets
Trade
Dosunmu and Griffin are young players who could benefit from a change of scenery. With the emergence of Coby White, trading for Josh Giddey, and possibly drafting another guard Dosunmu’s days with the Bulls might be numbered. As a 3-and-D guard, Dosunmu’s fit next to Ball is very intriguing. Griffin could reignite his career with Charlotte after a down second year. Simmons would be acquired in a salary dump move where the Hornets could land one of the Suns’ first-round picks from the Kevin Durant trade. Simmons has a 40 million dollar expiring contract and the Hornets are seen as a primary landing spot if the Nets decide to trade him.
Free Agents
Amid a rebuild, the Hornets should be targeting young players who could develop with increased opportunities. The Hornets can offer free agents up to 12 million dollars as a result testing the value of restricted free agents is logical. If the Hornets create more cap space they could overpay one of these young players offering within the 15 to 20 million dollar range. Williams and Okoro are both high-level wing defenders. However, they both have offensive inconsistencies. Making it unclear how much their teams will match them for.
Okoro was a solid contributor for a playoff team and Williams’ potential could be explored if the Bulls commit to rebuilding. Perhaps this makes their current teams value them more however, it’s worth exploring. Bey has upside as a scorer and creator he would be an intriguing wing fit for the Hornets. Christie has upside as a 3-and-D guard and is the easiest target as he hasn’t been given many opportunities with the Lakers.
