After going 27-55 last season, which was the fourth-worst record in the NBA, the Hornets entered 2023/24 with aspirations of reaching the playoffs, or at least the play-in tournament. Instead, they’ve been even worse — Charlotte currently holds an 8-28 record.
Certainly, injuries have played a role in the poor results. The Hornets were just 3-17 without LaMelo Ball, who recently returned from an ankle sprain. Second-year center Mark Williams has missed the past 16 games with a back injury, and they’ve gone 1-15 in that span. Williams has no timetable for a return.
Cody Martin has missed most of the season with a knee injury. Frank Ntilikina has yet to play (he’s close to making his season debut). Gordon Hayward (left calf strain) is out. Terry Rozier, Brandon Miller and P.J. Washington have missed time. You get the point.
Still, with a new ownership group and another disappointing season, it’s been a little surprising that we haven’t heard more noise about Charlotte looking to shake things up in some capacity, whether it be the front office, coaching staff or trades (or all of the above). For what it’s worth, general manager Mitch Kupchak and head coach Steve Clifford are reportedly in the final guaranteed years of their respective contracts.
Speaking with Kevin Gray of 97.1 The Freak, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports said Hayward’s expiring $31.5MM contract is “absolutely for the taking,” though rival teams also wonder if the veteran forward will be a buyout candidate if Charlotte can’t find a suitable trade (Twitter link via The Trade Deadline).
Unless they’re willing to take on unwanted long-term salary, it’s hard to envision the Hornets receiving much in return for Hayward due to his large salary, impending free agency, age (34 in March) and lengthy injury history. He’s been fairly productive this season when he plays, but not compared to his cap hit.
Other veterans — like Rozier and Washington — would have more value. Rozier has put up career highs in multiple categories this season and is on a reasonable contract. It’s unclear what type of market value Miles Bridges would have due to his legal issues and impending free agency, plus he also has the ability to veto trades after signing his one-year qualifying offer.
It’s clear the Hornets should be open to a lot of different scenarios to improve their roster. They haven’t made the playoffs for seven straight seasons and appear headed for an eighth.
We want to know what you think. What would you do if you were running the Hornets? Which players would you keep, and who would you be trying to acquire? Head to the comments to share your thoughts.
Trade Gordon Hayward, Cody Martin and Thor get a new coach and GM immediately and let free Ish , but please hornets doing something quick.
Terry Rozier, PJ Washington and Bridges for Ben Simmons, Cam Thomas, Clowney and a 1st. Let Simmons sit. Waive Hayward, Thor and Bouknight. Sign Bazley, Warren and Danny Green Start over fresh Charlotte management
Hayward for Wiggins See if Detriot would give up a few seconds for Bridges so they can have him early. Rozier to heat for Lowry and a 1st. Play all the youth.
Why would the Warriors trade Wiggins for a corpse? Maybe they are trying to market a new line of branded body bags? I don’t think that would go over big with their neighbors.
Why would the Hornets trade the expiring contract of Hayward for Wiggins?
The Hornets are a mess. I don’t think it’s possible to fix it in the short term. Just don’t do silly things (like extending Hayward), try to somehow get rid of Rozier’s contract, draft wisely… and be patient. And by all means, fire Clifford.
Agreed 100%
This. Charlotte’s biggest need is a new coach and general manager. There is no reason to do anything until you get those in place, unless they can trade Hayward, Bridges or Rozier. Just ride out the year, take the high draft pick, let new people make the decisions… and exercise patience.
Trade Rozier, PJ Washington and Thor to Miami for Lowry, Jovic, Dru Smith and a 1st. Bridges to Detroit for Monte Morris and two 2nds. Trade Hayward and Dru Smith for Marcus Morris, House and Korkmaz and a pick. Or just waive Hayward. Waive Lowry, Monte Morris, Frank F, Bouknight, House and Marcus Morris when you can. Sign Jaylen Martin, Bazley, Danny Green and Warren. Promote Bailey. Draft well start over with youth, veterans on the bench and cap space
Get a defensive guard to pair with Ball.
Stop giving out stupid extensions(PJ)