7 Hornets players who could end up on a new team by the trade deadline

The Charlotte Hornets have two promising young stars and are optimistic about making the playoffs after an eight-year drought, which is the longest in the NBA. While the team is eager to compete, they might not be fully prepared for a breakout season.

Last year, the Hornets struggled, winning only 21 games, largely due to LaMelo Ball’s injury and other challenges. They are counting on improved health, a new coaching staff, and player development to propel them forward. With high expectations, their on-court performance will influence their future plans.

It’s likely the Hornets will find themselves in the lottery again, aiming for a top pick in a strong draft class. If they do make the playoffs, they would owe their first-round pick to the Spurs. To bolster their roster and acquire young talent, the franchise may consider trading several players before the deadline.

7. Seth Curry
The experienced sharpshooter is on a one-year minimum contract. If Charlotte struggles, he could be bought out to join a playoff contender, but he’s in no hurry to leave his hometown team where his father, Dell, played for a decade. The 34-year-old has faced injury issues but is content to play for Charlotte.

As Stephen Curry’s younger brother, Seth boasts the eighth-best three-point shooting percentage in NBA history at 43.1%. Every contender seeks additional shooting and floor spacing, and teams are cautious not to leave him open.

Curry’s health and desire for a chance at a title will likely determine his status with the Hornets before the trade deadline. If he plays a meaningful role and the team remains competitive, they’ll want to keep him. However, if they appear headed for the lottery, the 6’1″ guard might be traded.

He’s not the only veteran who could find himself in a different city after February 6.

6. Vasilije Micic
The Hornets acquired Micic in the trade involving Gordon Hayward at last season’s deadline. He was named EuroLeague MVP in 2021 and contributed to his team winning consecutive championships. While a star in Europe, Micic struggled to get playing time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In Charlotte, he received more opportunities, but his defense and shooting issues were a concern.

Micic is scheduled to earn $7.7millionthisseason,withateamoptionof$ 8.1 million for the 2025-26 season. By the trade deadline, he could effectively become an expiring contract, which the Hornets might leverage for an upgrade if they’re in playoff contention.

LaMelo Ball is expected to be the primary ball-handler, with Tre Mann likely taking on backup duties. This situation may leave Micic out of the rotation entirely. Given that Charlotte has weaknesses in their roster, they might look to trade his contract for a player they need.

At 30 years old, Micic recently won an Olympic bronze medal with Serbia. He aims to secure a regular role and make an impact in Charlotte this season. However, if he doesn’t succeed, he may consider returning to Europe after the 2024-25 season. The Hornets plan to assess his market before the deadline and might decide to move on from the veteran quickly.

5. Grant Williams
Williams was let go by both teams that ultimately reached the NBA Finals in the same year. Boston chose not to re-sign him as he entered free agency last summer, and the Mavericks acquired him in a sign-and-trade deal, only to move him before the deadline, trading him for P.J. Washington to enhance their roster.

His time in Dallas was disappointing, as he posted a -0.4 value over replacement player (VORP) across 47 games, indicating that things weren’t clicking. However, he performed much better with Charlotte and has three years left on his contract.

At just 25, Williams helped the Celtics reach the conference finals three times in four seasons. He brings playoff experience and understands how to support a contender. Known for his ability to space the floor, defend multiple positions, and create plays, he could be a valuable asset for any second unit, attracting interest if the Hornets decide to trade him.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Grant Williams is the third-highest-paid player on the Hornets’ roster, making him a potential key salary-matcher in a larger trade. The franchise needs to surround LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller with the right players. If Williams faces further struggles, he might find himself on a different team before the trade deadline on February 6.

4. Cody Martin
The 6’5″ wing has had difficulties staying healthy, playing only 28 games last season and just 35 over the past two years. Despite battling injuries, fans recognize his potential. His twin brother, Caleb, played a key role in helping the Heat reach the NBA Finals in 2023 and is now with the 76ers. The question remains: can Cody regain his health and have a breakout season in 2024-25?

Next season, Martin will earn $8.1million,withanon-guaranteed$ 8.6 million salary for 2025-26—considered a good value if he stays injury-free.

The Hornets have plenty of options on the wings, with Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Grant Williams likely to play over 30 minutes per game. Josh Green and Seth Curry are also vying for consistent rotation spots, leaving Martin and rookie lottery pick Tidjane Salaun competing for additional second-unit minutes.

Martin has the potential to be a starter but might need a change of scenery to reach his full potential. He must demonstrate that he is healthy; if he succeeds, there will likely be significant interest in him before the trade deadline. The Hornets may consider moving him if they’re heading toward the lottery, but that would only happen if Martin has improved his value.

3. Tre Mann
The 2021 first-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension. After being acquired in the Gordon Hayward trade at the 2024 deadline, Charlotte faces a decision: is Mann a long-term asset? Can they agree on an extension? Both sides have important questions to address.

Last season, Mann averaged 11.9 points, 5.2 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 31.0 minutes across 28 games with the Hornets. At 6’3″, he started while LaMelo Ball was injured but is expected to serve as a backup for Charlotte’s All-Star moving forward. How well will Mann adapt to that role?

The decision to trade Mann largely depends on his contract situation. If an extension can’t be reached, the Hornets should consider trading him before the deadline to ensure they receive value for this first-round draft pick.

Mann would become a restricted free agent in the 2025 offseason, but the Hornets must be cautious about overpaying for a backup guard, especially with new apron rules in place. Allowing him to sign an offer sheet elsewhere could be risky.

His extension needs to be resolved before the regular season begins to provide clarity for the franchise. If he isn’t extended, don’t be surprised if he gets traded for the second consecutive year at the deadline.

2. Nick Richards
Richards is no stranger to trade speculation. He garnered interest before the trade deadline and again this offseason. Standing at seven feet, he currently sits behind Mark Williams in the Hornets’ lineup but has demonstrated significant potential and is on an excellent contract.

At 26 years old, he will earn just $5millionthisseason,withafullynon-guaranteed$ 5 million for the 2025-26 season. After a strong fourth year, he ranks as the 41st highest-paid center based on average salary.

Last season, Richards averaged 9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 26.3 minutes per game, making 51 starts while Williams dealt with injuries and only played 19 games. While he doesn’t space the floor, he is effective inside and has recorded above-league-average win shares per 48 minutes for three consecutive years.

The Hornets possess a solid big man on an affordable deal, making it unnecessary to trade him unless an exceptional offer arises. They received such an offer for P.J. Washington at this year’s deadline, and a similar scenario could unfold before February 6. If Mark Williams is viewed as their future center, trading Richards for a first-round pick could be a smart and probable move as the deadline nears.

1. Miles Bridges
Bridges recently signed a three-year, $ 75 million contract, which means he can’t be traded until January 15. The Hornets have three weeks before the deadline if they decide to make a move. It’s unclear who they were competing against, but they ultimately chose to retain Bridges during free agency.

Standing at 6’7″, the forward missed the entire 2022-23 season due to serious off-court issues. He averaged 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 37.4 minutes per game last season, but his situation could quickly deteriorate if further legal problems arise.

His talent is undeniable, and there has been speculation about interest during the 2024 deadline. While Bridges wants to remain in Charlotte, if the team faces a lottery scenario, it might be wise to explore trade options. This could yield draft picks and offer greater flexibility for the future.

The Charlotte Hornets have several critical roster decisions to make in the coming months and could take various paths before the February 6 deadline. Much will depend on how the franchise performs at the start of the season.

If Miles Bridges emerges as the team’s top player, the Hornets are unlikely to trade him. However, a significant overhaul could be necessary if things don’t go as planned. Fans will just have to wait and see.