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The Charlotte Hornets have the talent to make future noise in the Eastern Conference, but they could add a piece that would turn them into immediate contenders.
In a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bulls, the Hornets would acquire a multi-dimensional two-time All-Star.
“Imagine a Charlotte team with LaMelo Ball and Zach LaVine running the show – that’s a backcourt with crazy offensive potential," Fadeaway World's Fran Leiva wrote Friday.
"LaMelo’s passing and court vision combined with LaVine’s scoring would create some serious fireworks. LaVine would slot in as that go-to scorer who can handle the ball, spot up, or take defenders one-on-one.”
“For a team like Charlotte, that’s been stuck in the middle of the pack, this could be the kind of bold move that pushes them into playoff contention. Plus, LaVine’s athleticism and quickness could fit nicely in a fast-paced system that the Hornets are building around LaMelo.”
“But, of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. LaVine’s contract is huge, with him set to earn $43 million in the 2024-25 season alone. That’s a lot of cap space tied up in one player, which means Charlotte would have to maneuver carefully to make it work financially.”
“Adding to the complexity is LaVine’s history of knee injuries. While he’s stayed mostly healthy lately, investing in a player with that background on such a massive contract is risky, especially for a smaller market team like Charlotte that doesn’t have endless resources.”
To receive LaVine, the Hornets would have to trade Grant Williams, Josh Green, Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, and a 2017 first-round pick (via the Dallas Mavericks).
While LaVine recently insisted he’s focused on playing his best basketball for the Bulls, it’s reasonable to assume he’s hoping to move on from the franchise this season.
The Bulls sit at 5-7 after securing a surprising road win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday, but the LaVine experiment appears to have run its course in Chicago.
The Hornets may not be an ideal landing spot for the three-level scorer and explosive one-foot leaper. However, playing with an unbelievable standstill and moving passer in Ball, who can break down defenders off the dribble at his own pace, could appeal to LaVine.
As unlikely as it is, the Hornets could go all out for the UCLA product if they determine he’s a franchise-altering asset.
Charlotte’s proposed track package for LaVine probably wouldn’t appease the Bulls, but the two organizations could team up to make a shocking move later this season.
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