Ranking Hornets' Top Trade Targets After 2026 NBA Play-In Loss
The Charlotte Hornets engineered one of the most incredible, improbable midseason turnarounds in recent NBA memory.
That should, without question, raise the bar for what's expected in Buzz City now. But having this run extinguished in the Play-In Tournament should remind the Hornets their work is far from over.
They can go missing-piece hunting this summer. They have the assets to be not insignificant buyers on the trade market, and that ferocious finish could allow them to aim high and attack specific needs, with frontcourt versatility, defense and big-stage experience likely topping the wish list.
3. Al Horford, Golden State Warriors
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Having trouble bread-crumbing your way from this young, ascending team to a declining center who'll be 40 in a few months? That's fine, Horford himself might have to be sold on the arrangement.
The elevator pitch, though is this: His veteran savvy and playoff experience could be hugely helpful guides for the young Hornets, plus his defensive flexibility and long-range shotmaking could allow him to carve out an actual niche within this center rotation.
While Charlotte has gotten good mileage out of the Ryan Kalkbrenner-Moussa Diabaté combo at center, it still might make sense to invest in another 5. Especially a player who would bring a different element to the group, and Horford would add several, like his advanced IQ, floor-spacing and gear-turning passing.
The Hornets could, of course, make more sizable splashes, but if they're only interested in minor moves, this is the kind of pickup that wouldn't have a major short-term cost and could have a long-term impact.
2. Derrick Jones Jr., Los Angeles Clippers
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If Charlotte seeks out a potential starter or even a sizable piece for the rotation, that player is likely a combo forward. The simplest option for the Hornets to potentially complete their puzzle is upgrading that position with someone who values defense over offense.
That's the simplest sales pitch for Jones. He may not have the most varied skill set, but his physical gifts are elite, and he always activates them to the fullest on the defensive end.
He is long, lanky and full of energy on the ball, and he's explosive enough to quickly close passing lanes or wreck shots as a weakside helper. Offense is more of a mixed bag, but his 50-plus career field-goal percentage speaks to his willingness to play within his limits and only take the open shots that are available to him.
The Hornets might covet someone younger and with more upside, but that's usually a pricey pairing. Plus, Charlotte might be cool on both fronts. Adding Jones wouldn't break the bank but could fill one of the most glaring needs this group has.
1. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
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If the Hornets consider replacing a starter, Miles Bridges feels like the odd man out. It's just less than ideal when the fourth option in your lineup counts scoring as a primary strength.
Charlotte could seek out a more complementary approach with that position, and Smith would be phenomenal in that role.
He is long, active and versatile on the defensive end. On offense, he's as low-maintenance as it gets, flushing lobs, splashing catch-and-launch jumpers and rarely trying to do much more. He could be more efficient with his shooting, but the Hornets would hope he would be when slotted alongside the kind of playmakers they have.
Getting him out of Houston could be tricky, but it should not be impossible—especially if the Rockets plan to cover the cost of Tari Eason's restricted free agency. You can see why Charlotte would at least consider an aggressive offer for Smith, and you can see why that might be enough to bring him to Buzz City.
