5 Trades That Would Make The Hornets A Dark Horse Playoff Team This Season

The Charlotte Hornets are gearing up for a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign where they managed just 21 wins. Injuries played a significant role in their struggles, with LaMelo Ball missing most of the season due to an ankle injury.

However, the 2024 offseason has brought renewed optimism. LaMelo is back at full strength, and the team has made several strategic moves under their new front office led by Jeff Peterson and head coach Charles Lee. With promising young stars like Brandon Miller stepping up and the addition of veterans like Miles Bridges and Josh Green, the Hornets have set themselves up to be much more competitive. But to truly become a dark horse playoff team, a few bold trades could be the final pieces of the puzzle. Let's explore five trades that could make the Hornets a serious threat in the East.

1. Betting On Zach LaVine's Massive Contract

Hornets receive: Zach LaVine

Bulls receive: Grant Williams, Cody Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick (via Mavs)

Zach LaVine is a name that has been swirling in trade rumors throughout the 2024 offseason, but finding a suitor willing to take on his massive contract has been a challenge. LaVine is still owed about $86 million over the next two years, including a $49 million player option in 2026-27, making teams hesitant to pull the trigger . This reluctance is compounded by his recent injury history; LaVine’s 2023-24 season was cut short by a significant foot injury that required surgery after just 25 games, where he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

Despite these concerns, LaVine remains one of the most prolific scorers in the league when healthy, known for his explosiveness and shooting ability. The Hornets, coming off a dismal 21-win season but with renewed hope thanks to LaMelo Ball's return, could benefit from taking a swing on LaVine. Pairing him with Ball and Brandon Miller could instantly elevate Charlotte’s offense, giving them a legitimate shot at competing in the Eastern Conference.

For the Bulls, this trade would be a step towards a full rebuild, especially after already moving key veterans like DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. With LaVine’s and Nikola Vucevic's names still floating in trade talks, it’s clear that Chicago is preparing to overhaul its roster. Grant Williams and Cody Martin would provide the Bulls with solid role players, while the future first-round pick gives them more assets to rebuild around.

In Charlotte, the addition of LaVine, despite his hefty contract, could be the high-risk, high-reward move they need to jump into playoff contention. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off if LaVine can return to his All-Star form.

2. Cole Anthony Could Be A Great Fit In The Backcourt

Hornets receive: Cole Anthony

Magic receive: Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick (via Heat)

Cole Anthony has become a valuable piece for the Orlando Magic , but with the team’s loaded backcourt, there’s growing speculation that he could be on the move. The Magic enjoyed a strong 2023-24 season, finishing with a 47-35 record and making the playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite their success, the team has a surplus of guards, including Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, and the newly signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This depth led to the decision to let Markelle Fultz walk in free agency, and it also opens the door for a potential trade involving Anthony.

Anthony, who averaged 11.6 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game last season, excelled in his role as the Magic’s sixth man. He provided a scoring spark off the bench, shooting 43.5% from the field and 33.8% from beyond the arc. His ability to create shots, both for himself and others, makes him an intriguing target for teams looking to add backcourt firepower.

For the Hornets, Anthony could be the perfect complement to LaMelo Ball in the backcourt. LaMelo’s exceptional playmaking paired with Anthony’s scoring ability would give Charlotte a versatile and dynamic guard duo. Anthony’s proficiency as a shot-maker, particularly from deep, would also help space the floor, providing more room for Ball’s playmaking and Miles Bridges’ inside game. Furthermore, Anthony’s experience in a bench role would give the Hornets flexibility, whether they choose to start him or use him as a key contributor off the bench.

From Orlando’s perspective, this trade makes sense as well. With their backcourt already crowded, moving Anthony for a promising young player like Josh Green and a future first-round pick allows them to continue building around their core of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The pick would give the Magic additional assets to either use in future trades or to draft another young talent to complement their rising stars.

Related: The Charlotte Hornets All-Time GOAT Pyramid

3. A Big Upgrade At The Center Position

Hornets receive: Deandre Ayton

Blazers receive: Josh Green, Grant Williams, Seth Curry, 2026 First-Round Pick

Deandre Ayton’s first season with the Portland Trail Blazers was a mixed bag. While he posted solid averages of 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, his impact wasn’t quite what the Blazers had hoped for when they acquired him from the Phoenix Suns as part of the Damian Lillard trade. Ayton's performance improved significantly after the All-Star break, where he averaged 22.7 points and 12.5 rebounds in the final 18 games, but the Blazers still finished with a disappointing 21-61 record.

The situation in Portland became even more interesting when the Blazers selected Donovan Clingan with the 7th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Clingan, a 7’2” center from UConn, is seen as the future of the franchise at the center position, and there are already rumors that the Blazers might look to move either Ayton or Robert Williams III to clear space for their new rookie. Ayton, with his hefty contract, could be a prime candidate for a trade, especially if the Blazers want to fully commit to their youth movement.

This scenario presents a golden opportunity for the Charlotte Hornets. By acquiring Ayton, the Hornets would get a significant upgrade at the center position, filling a crucial gap in their roster. Ayton's ability to dominate in the paint on both ends of the floor would complement LaMelo Ball's playmaking and give the Hornets a formidable inside-outside combination. Moreover, adding Ayton could be the move that propels the Hornets into playoff contention, especially with LaMelo back healthy and ready to lead the team.

For the Blazers, the trade would bring in veterans like Josh Green, Grant Williams, and Seth Curry, who could provide valuable mentorship to their young core of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan. The inclusion of a future first-round pick also gives Portland additional assets to continue building their team for the future.

This deal would not only help the Hornets make a serious push for the playoffs but also aid the Blazers in their ongoing rebuild by providing them with the flexibility to develop their young stars without the financial burden of Ayton’s contract.

4. Another High Flyer To Pair Up With Ball

Hornets receive: John Collins

Jazz receive: Grant Williams, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via 76ers), 2025 Second-Round Pick (via Pelicans)

The Utah Jazz recently committed to Lauri Markkanen by signing him to a five-year, $238 million extension , making it clear that he’s their centerpiece moving forward. With Markkanen locked in, John Collins’ role in Utah has become less prominent, especially after a lackluster first season with the Jazz. Collins averaged 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, but he struggled to find his footing and never truly fit into Utah’s system.

The Jazz, who are focused on building around Markkanen and their young core, including Walker Kessler and Keyonte George, might be willing to move Collins to open up more playing time for their developing players. This could be a golden opportunity for the Charlotte Hornets, who could use another athletic forward to complement LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.

In Charlotte, Collins could thrive in a more defined role. His ability to finish above the rim and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting would be a perfect fit alongside Ball, who excels at setting up his teammates for easy buckets. Collins’ rebounding and secondary scoring would also be valuable assets for the Hornets, helping to bolster their frontcourt and add depth to their rotation.

For the Jazz, acquiring Grant Williams and future draft picks would provide them with more flexibility as they continue to rebuild. Williams, known for his defensive versatility and three-point shooting, could slot into the rotation as a reliable role player, while the additional draft picks give Utah more assets to use in future trades or the draft.

This trade could help both teams achieve their goals: the Hornets get a dynamic player who can elevate their playoff chances, while the Jazz continue to focus on their long-term rebuild with valuable assets in hand.

5. A Reliable Shooter Would Make A Difference

Hornets receive: Kevin Huerter

Kings receive: Josh Green, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via 76ers)

The Sacramento Kings have been busy this offseason, securing key pieces for another push in the Western Conference. After re-signing Malik Monk to a four-year, $78 million contract and acquiring DeMar DeRozan via sign-and-trade, the Kings have bolstered their offensive firepower. However, these moves have left their perimeter defense a bit vulnerable, particularly when pairing DeRozan and De'Aaron Fox, who aren't known for their defensive prowess. This is where Josh Green could be of great value to Sacramento. Green's defensive skills could fill a much-needed gap, giving the Kings a more balanced rotation.

Meanwhile, Kevin Huerter, who averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 64 games during the 2023-24 season, finds himself somewhat overshadowed in the Kings' rotation. Huerter also dealt with injuries that limited his impact last season, and with the recent roster additions, his role could diminish even further. Moving him to Charlotte would give him a fresh start and a more prominent role, particularly as a reliable three-point shooter, something the Hornets desperately need. His shooting ability would complement LaMelo Ball's playmaking, providing the Hornets with a consistent perimeter threat that could open up the floor for the rest of their offense.

For Charlotte, acquiring Huerter could be a game-changer. With the team's lack of reliable shooters, Huerter's ability to space the floor would be invaluable. His presence would help diversify the Hornets' offensive attack, making them more competitive in a crowded Eastern Conference. This trade could provide both teams with what they need: the Kings get a solid defender in Green, while the Hornets add the shooting they’ve been missing.

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