Things May Finally Be Looking Up In Charlotte!

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        The Charlotte Hornets are one of the most disappointing teams this season but they may finally get better given their trade deadline activities. Now I am not saying that they will get back in the playoff/play-in picture but they may be ready to compete by next season. Of course the major reason why the Hornets have not been so good this season is their All-Star LaMelo Ball being in and out of the lineup due to ankle injuries. However the biggest bright spot for the Hornets is rookie Brandon Miller playing solid basketball. His shooting ability and his defense, he will be a great piece for the Hornets franchise. 



        The first move they made at the deadline was trading forward Gordon Hayward. Hayward signed with the Hornets in the summer of 2020 for four years, $120 million. He has had his moments during his Hornets tenure but his injuries had held him back. Reported by Shams Charania, the Hornets traded Gordon Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Tre Mann, forward Davis Bertans, guard Vasilije Micic and draft compensation. 



        Tre Mann is a young point guard who's had a minimum role in OKC but could have an expanded role in Charlotte as the primary backup point guard. Vasilije Micic is technically an NBA rookie this season, despite being 30 years old, but has spent nine years in EuroLeague. Micic is a two-time EuroLeague champion and a EuroLeague MVP so in a way he can provide veteran leadership. Davis Bertans is an eight-year NBA veteran and played a role in Dallas' run to the Western Conference Finals in the 2022 playoffs. He brings shooting to the front court and veteran leadership. 



        The second move the Hornets made at the deadline was trading forward PJ Washington to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Grant Williams, Seth Curry and a 2027 first-round pick, the Hornets are also sending two second-round picks to Dallas. Grant Williams is tough, a great defender, great shooter and brings great veteran leadership. He played a role in Boston's runs to the Eastern Conference Finals in three off the last four seasons including their Finals run in 2022. The Hornets have had a lack of leadership issue in recent years and now they have a great and strong voice in the locker room in Grant Williams. Seth Curry is a ten-year NBA veteran and one of the best shooters in the NBA, he will reunite with his father Dell Curry who is a broadcaster for the Charlotte Hornets. 



        The Hornets had a solid trade deadline day. All their new acquisitions will be under contract for at least next season. With the emergence of Hornets center Mark Williams and if LaMelo Ball can just stay healthy then the Hornets have a legitimate chance to compete for a play-in spot next season. It is notable that Miles Bridges exercised his trade veto powers that was included in his one-year deal for this season. His name was involved in trade rumors, primarily involving the Phoenix Suns, but decided he wanted to stay in Charlotte. He will be a free agent this summer and the Hornets will retain his bird rights. 




Location: Miami, FL, USA

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