Hornets' Rivals Reportedly 'Curious About Their Level of Urgency' Ahead of NBA Draft
Opposing teams are monitoring the Charlotte Hornets' activity level ahead of the 2025 NBA draft, according to ESPN's Jeremy Woo.
"The Hornets took a patient approach at the trade deadline, and opposing teams are curious about their level of urgency this offseason, having sold at the trade deadline but also having missed the playoffs nine straight seasons," Woo reported Monday.
The Hornets own the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
After making a play-in tournament appearance during the 2021-22 season, Charlotte's win total has decreased in each of the three years since. The Hornets finished at No. 14 in the Eastern Conference standings with a 19-63 record during their 2024-25 campaign.
Charlotte initially agreed to trade center Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package headlined by Dalton Knecht and an unprotected first-round pick ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, but the deal was later rescinded.
The Hornets went on to acquire veteran center Jusuf Nurkić and a 2026 first-round pick from the Phoenix Suns, giving up Cody Martin, Vasilije Micić and a 2026 second-round choice in return.
While they're reportedly not willing to trade star point guard LaMelo Ball, they could choose to be active in order to build around Ball and finally return to the postseason picture.
In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, Charlotte stood pat at No. 4 and was projected to add Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe.
As the Hornets look to take a step forward and prepare for their second year with head coach Charles Lee, other teams are reportedly interested in their willingness to pursue a blockbuster offseason move.
