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The Charlotte Hornets have the foundation to build on with LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller.
However, the Hornets still need to add a starting center to elevate the team to the next level. If Charlotte can acquire a rim protector and rebounder to anchor their defense, it would go a long way in making a postseason push in the 2026-27 season.
One player that the Hornets should go after in a sign-and-trade is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Kessler is entering restricted free agency and hasn't been able to agree to a long-term deal with the Jazz.
While a deal hasn't been reached, if Utah is to let him go, it would most certainly be in a sign-and-trade where they don't lose him for nothing.
Charlotte Hornets receive: Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz receive: Miles Bridges, Josh Green, 14th overall pick, and a 2027 first-round pick
In this deal, the Jazz land the expiring salaries of Miles Bridges and Josh Green while acquiring the 14th overall pick and a 2027 first-round pick.
Charlotte can't make this deal before the NBA Draft; they can instead trade the player they select with the 14th overall pick to the Jazz.
While Utah wants to retain Kessler, if the price tag is too high, this deal would yield them some draft compensation and expiring salaries to use in another deal or allow them to go off the books to have more flexibility in the 2027 offseason.
For the Hornets, landing Kessler would give them their defensive anchor of the future. The 24-year-old only appeared in five games in the 2025-26 season due to injury, but has proved his value as a rebounder and shot blocker.
In the 2024-25 season, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, shooting 66.3 percent from the field.
He would be the ideal fit at center for Charlotte long-term as a lob threat, strong rebounder, and defender alongside the big three of Ball, Knueppel, and Miller, which is why they must pursue a sign-and-trade deal.
Hornets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hornets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
However, the Hornets still need to add a starting center to elevate the team to the next level. If Charlotte can acquire a rim protector and rebounder to anchor their defense, it would go a long way in making a postseason push in the 2026-27 season.
One player that the Hornets should go after in a sign-and-trade is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Kessler is entering restricted free agency and hasn't been able to agree to a long-term deal with the Jazz.
While a deal hasn't been reached, if Utah is to let him go, it would most certainly be in a sign-and-trade where they don't lose him for nothing.
Hornets Potential Trade Offer for Walker Kessler
Charlotte Hornets receive: Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz receive: Miles Bridges, Josh Green, 14th overall pick, and a 2027 first-round pick
In this deal, the Jazz land the expiring salaries of Miles Bridges and Josh Green while acquiring the 14th overall pick and a 2027 first-round pick.
Charlotte can't make this deal before the NBA Draft; they can instead trade the player they select with the 14th overall pick to the Jazz.
While Utah wants to retain Kessler, if the price tag is too high, this deal would yield them some draft compensation and expiring salaries to use in another deal or allow them to go off the books to have more flexibility in the 2027 offseason.
For the Hornets, landing Kessler would give them their defensive anchor of the future. The 24-year-old only appeared in five games in the 2025-26 season due to injury, but has proved his value as a rebounder and shot blocker.
In the 2024-25 season, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, shooting 66.3 percent from the field.
He would be the ideal fit at center for Charlotte long-term as a lob threat, strong rebounder, and defender alongside the big three of Ball, Knueppel, and Miller, which is why they must pursue a sign-and-trade deal.
Hornets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hornets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
