Myles Turner could be a viable trade option for the Hornets
Mar 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) shoots during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Charlotte Hornets will be entering the 2026-27 season as a team to keep an eye on. After overhauling their core this summer, Charlotte appears to be on the verge of a new era, and their latest additions certainly put them in a position to be interesting.
Aside from the pre-established core of Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and Coby White, the Hornets have added players such as Naz Reid to strengthen their roster. While this is promising, there have been rumors suggesting that Charlotte’s offseason retooling remains active, as the team has been linked with Sacramento Kings’ star Domantas Sabonis.
For the most part, the notion of acquiring Sabonis is promising, primarily because it gives Charlotte a reliable starting center to pair with Naz Reid. However, if the Hornets come up short in their endeavor, we explore three alternative center options that the franchise should consider to increase their chances of competing.
The Hornets Trade For Myles Turner
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Myles Turner
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, 2030 first-round pick
One of the most viable options for the Hornets to improve their big man rotation is by trading for Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner.
Although Turner was acquired by the Bucks last season as a means of appeasing Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team’s performance wasn’t inspiring enough to convince the superstar forward to stay. Now, even though the Bucks are trying to offload Turner’s $26.5 million salary, there aren’t any takers on the market.
In many ways, Turner could be a great fit for the Hornets. Although his ability to space the floor would overlap with Naz Reid’s skill set, Turner’s shot-blocking and rebounding could give Charlotte the necessary boost to be a more competitive team in the East.
Last season wasn’t an impressive one for Turner, as he averaged only 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.0% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range. However, when considering that he contributed with 0.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, his defensive impact may be appealing to Charlotte.
Absorbing Turner’s contract would not be an issue since Charlotte possesses a $40.7 million trade exception. However, by using Grant Williams and Tidjane Salaun to match salaries in this trade scenario, the franchise can keep their trade exception to structure another move later in the season.
Charlotte Acquires Daniel Gafford From Dallas
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Daniel Gafford
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Grayson Allen, 2027 first-round pick (DAL, top-2 protected)
Aside from Turner, the Hornets could also consider entering negotiations with the Dallas Mavericks to acquire Daniel Gafford.
In theory, Gafford could be a phenomenal addition to the Hornets’ starting lineup. By acquiring the 27-year-old, Charlotte would provide Reid with a reliable counterpoint on the inside, giving him more freedom on offense. When also noting Gafford’s ability to act as a rim protector, Charlotte may be enamored by the idea of pairing him with their new star.
The 2025-26 season wasn’t the most favorable one for Daniel Gafford, as the center struggled with availability due to injuries. Although this affected his scoring production, his overall averages of 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game were still rather impressive.
Gafford was primarily linked with the Lakers this offseason, though no trade went through. Although the Mavericks have been inclined to retain the 27-year-old big man, given Dallas’ big man depth and Charlotte’s offer, the Hornets could convince Dallas to move him for assets.
Hence, by packaging a reliable two-way wing in Grayson Allen and returning the Mavs’ 2027 first-round pick, Charlotte could complete this transaction.
The Hornets Land Jalen Smith From Chicago
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jalen Smith
Chicago Bulls Receive: Grant Williams, 2027 second-round pick (MEM)
Both Turner and Gafford bring immense value to the table for Charlotte, but considering that it would be a challenge to acquire them, the Hornets may benefit from looking elsewhere. On this front, the Chicago Bulls could be an interesting trade partner.
The Bulls have undergone an intriguing retooling of their own this summer, acquiring some promising assets to bolster their core. With Nic Claxton‘s addition, Chicago has greatly strengthened its center rotation. While this is promising, it could also be the key to helping Charlotte trigger a trade for Jalen Smith.
Last season, Smith served as the backup center for the Bulls behind Nikola Vucevic. However, after showing remarkable improvement, the 26-year-old may be vying for a larger role in the rotation.
With averages of 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game on 48.3% shooting from the field and 37.3% from three-point range, Smith could earn a starting spot with Charlotte. Given his offensive versatility, the Hornets could see value in pairing him with Reid in the frontcourt.
As an expiring contract ($9.4 million), the Bulls may be hesitant to part with Smith early in the season. But since Chicago would acquire Grant Williams’ $14.2 million expiring contract and a second-round pick with this trade, they may be slightly more intrigued.