NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on signings and trades

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2021 NBA Free Agency Grades: Charlotte Hornets

Key Additions: Mason Plumlee (trade); Kelly Oubre (2-yr, $26 million); Ish Smith (1-yr, minimum)

Key Departures: Devonte Graham (trade to New Orleans); Cody Zeller (Portland)

The Charlotte Hornets were the surprise player in NBA Free Agency last offseason, jumping in to offer Gordon Hayward a mammoth contract. This time around they used their more modest cap space for more modest moves.

Mason Plumlee is a decent center, one of the 10 worst starting centers or 10 best backups depending on what team he is on. He is a gifted passer and tends to stay healthy, which will be immediate improvements for the Charlotte rotation.

Kelly Oubre Jr. was this team’s bigger swing, signing the swingman for two years to add athleticism and hustle to their wing rotation. Oubre has said previously that he sees himself as a starter, not a backup, but that might have been before the market squeezed him out.

Ish Smith is a fine backup guard, and he will fill some small part of the role vacated by the departing Devonte Graham. The Hornets added a first-round pick in a sign-and-trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, a nice piece of business to help clear out a crowded backcourt.

Grade: B

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