Charlotte Hornets: 3 bold predictions for remainder of the season

Charlotte Hornets: Bold predictions – Terry Rozier will be traded

Given how well LaMelo Ball has played in the early going this season, it appears to be only a matter of time before the team throws him into the starting lineup.

To do that, however, they will have to make a decision on Terry Rozier, Devonte’ Graham, or both, as they currently occupy the backcourt. It seems likely that the team will hang onto Graham before he enters restricted free agency at this season’s conclusion, but Rozier could be a different story, given the interest he garners from around the league.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported that the LA Clippers explored trade scenarios for Terry Rozier to upgrade at the point guard position this offseason, showcasing that there is certainly some level of interest in him if the Hornets were to make him available. Set to make a combined $36.8 million between this season and next, Rozier would be a pricey acquisition, but a necessary one for teams that feel like they could be a piece or two away from legitimate contenders.

Although a deal never came to be this offseason, LaMelo Ball’s Rookie of the Year worthy play could make it an easier decision for the franchise to move Terry Rozier ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. That would open up the starting point guard position for Ball, essentially handing him the reigns to the franchise for the foreseeable future.

Rozier is currently putting up some career numbers, averaging 19.9 points on .478/.443/.773 shooting splits, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 33.1 minutes per game. Numbers like that will surely make him a hot commodity on the trade market, and he could certainly be on the move.