The Hornets Are Buzzing for the Future
The 2024-25 NBA Trade Deadline has been one of the most active deadlines in recent NBA history. With blockbuster after blockbuster trade being completed, teams have been eager to upgrade their rosters in order to win now, or to build for the future. The Los Angeles Lakers have done a little bit of both, now being involved in two major trades looking both towards success this season and in acquiring promising young players. The Charlotte Hornets on the other hand continue to look towards the future, hoping to build a playoff contender soon.
Just days after completing a move for Luka Dončić, the Lakers have now acquired Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams who has been having a breakout season. In return, the Hornets are receiving rookie Dalton Knecht as well as Cam Reddish, a 2030 first round pick swap, and a 2031 first round pick. This move makes sense for both teams as the Lakers were in desperate need of a center after trading Anthony Davis, while the Hornets were eager to receive draft capital to go along with young talent. Solid play from Moussa Diabaté in increased playing time may have made it easier for the team to move on from Williams. While this deal does seem like an overpay for Los Angeles, at 23-years-old, the Lakers found the perfect big to fit along with Luka Dončić for years to come. Although Williams could have been a Hornets star, the team was able to move on from a player that was due for a large contract extension after next season. Furthermore, despite Williams playing his best basketball this season, the team was able to get back valuable young players and a first round pick for a player they were not quite sold on yet.
As it pertains to the future, the Charlotte Hornets have plenty to look forward to. Cam Reddish may be a mixed bag for the team, but Dalton Knecht has shown plenty of upside in his first NBA season. To be able to pair him with the young core of Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball, the Hornets seem to be just a few pieces away. With this trio in mind, the team may be more likely to move on from Miles Bridges, as they may opt to trade him for future assets to a team looking to win now. Trading Bridges away for young NBA talent would make sense, as there are options out there who are cheaper and also fit the Hornets timeline a little better. Currently, 14th in the Eastern Conference and fourth-worst in all of basketball, the team also has their eyes on another top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Only three games better than the last place Washington Wizards, the Hornets may have a real chance at landing projected number one pick Cooper Flagg. With new young players to surround LaMelo Ball and another top draft pick incoming, Hornets fans are buzzing for the future. As the starting lineup is a few solid pieces away from being solidified, the team will need to focus on depth, defense, and three point shooting efficiency before becoming one of the league's best young teams.
