- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,207,056
- Reaction score
- 59
The Charlotte Hornets have sent shockwaves this offseason by making multiple trades to retool the roster.
The Hornets sent star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves shortly after the NBA Draft to acquire Naz Reid and draft capital.
Charlotte also sent Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns, and absorbed Dorian Finney-Smith's contract and three second-round picks from the Houston Rockets.
These were big changes for the Hornets after they took a step forward in the 2025-26 season. Charlotte had a great second half of the season, finishing 44-38, but fell one game short of the postseason after losing to the Orlando Magic in the second Play-In Game.
"Definitely a change," Hornets star Kon Knueppel said. "I think for fans it's a little tough, just with like, 'Man, we saw some success and we kind of saw it with that team,' and I think the front office made the decision like, 'Man, maybe we don't see this long term.' So, I don't know if 'weren't convinced' is the right word, but they just wanted to move in a different direction."
Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images
The Hornets leaned into the youth movement with their trades, building long-term around Knueppel and Brandon Miller. Charlotte also selected Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson with the 14th and 18th overall picks in the draft.
The Hornets have a ton of draft capital in the future, giving them the flexibility to add more young talent around Knueppel and Miller over the years or make a splash trade for another star.
"I think we got a good team. I feel like we can build off what we did last year and just keep getting better. I think that's the focus for us as individuals, just keep getting better each day, working on our games. But going forward, I feel good about where we are at as an organization."
Charlotte still has some solid talent on the roster heading into the 2026-27 season, giving them the chance to make another Play-In or playoff push.
While the Hornets may not play as well in the upcoming season, they are set long-term with the moves they've made this offseason.
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...
The Hornets sent star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves shortly after the NBA Draft to acquire Naz Reid and draft capital.
Charlotte also sent Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns, and absorbed Dorian Finney-Smith's contract and three second-round picks from the Houston Rockets.
These were big changes for the Hornets after they took a step forward in the 2025-26 season. Charlotte had a great second half of the season, finishing 44-38, but fell one game short of the postseason after losing to the Orlando Magic in the second Play-In Game.
"Definitely a change," Hornets star Kon Knueppel said. "I think for fans it's a little tough, just with like, 'Man, we saw some success and we kind of saw it with that team,' and I think the front office made the decision like, 'Man, maybe we don't see this long term.' So, I don't know if 'weren't convinced' is the right word, but they just wanted to move in a different direction."
You must be registered for see images attach
Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images
The Hornets leaned into the youth movement with their trades, building long-term around Knueppel and Brandon Miller. Charlotte also selected Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson with the 14th and 18th overall picks in the draft.
The Hornets have a ton of draft capital in the future, giving them the flexibility to add more young talent around Knueppel and Miller over the years or make a splash trade for another star.
"I think we got a good team. I feel like we can build off what we did last year and just keep getting better. I think that's the focus for us as individuals, just keep getting better each day, working on our games. But going forward, I feel good about where we are at as an organization."
Charlotte still has some solid talent on the roster heading into the 2026-27 season, giving them the chance to make another Play-In or playoff push.
While the Hornets may not play as well in the upcoming season, they are set long-term with the moves they've made this offseason.
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...
