The Charlotte Hornets have a golden opportunity to add a generational talent in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. But what if they acquire another first-round pick on top of their fourth overall selection?
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report brought up the idea as he discussed the five teams that are most likely to complete draft night trades this summer. He posited that the Hornets have the option to get a late first-rounder by packaging their pair of second-round picks (Nos. 33 and 34) and sending them to a squad in need of financial relief or another avenue to obtain more talents at a cheap price.
The Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns were mentioned as potential trade partners. Boston, who owns the No. 28 selection, is looking at a massive payroll and could seek ways to get under the second apron to avoid harsh repeater tax penalties. On the other hand, the in-limbo Suns might view two early second-round picks as more valuable than gambling on a single prospect they are currently set to choose at No. 29.
Of course, the Hornets can benefit from staying put, as they also have to address several roster flaws. However, in the franchise's history, it has rarely unearthed a gem with its own second picks. So, maybe giving up both to move up to the first round could be in its best interest, especially if the front office is eying a prospect that could be gone during the second day of the draft.
Hornets don't have to do anything crazy in the draft
Besides, Charlotte already has talented or promising hoopsters on the roster who should be given the chance to prove themselves worthy of a spot in the rotation.
For instance, Tidjane Salaun and Nick Smith Jr. could figure out what has been holding them back so far in their young careers. In addition, with Tre Mann about to return to full health (fingers crossed) and Moussa Diabate expected to take the leap next season, the Hornets could already have a handful of pieces locking up four to five reserve slots in the rotation.
An argument against trading the pair of second-rounders is that Charlotte could use it to draft and stash a young player in the G League or overseas.
So, it might spell good news for the Hornets that they have different routes to choose from in the draft, thanks partly to a shrewd move by the previous management back in 2021 when it acquired what turned out to be the No. 34 pick in this year's draft.
Hopefully, the current management, under the leadership of president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson, has learned from the mistakes and the right decisions of the past regimes. Otherwise, no amount of draft assets can save the Hornets from NBA purgatory.