The Charlotte Hornets have an interesting offseason ahead of them. Their current goal should be to put a playoff team around LaMelo Ball while simultaneously planning for the future.
Unfortunately, they took a step back this summer, through no fault of their own, so competing for the playoffs may have just gotten a bit harder. So instead, planning for the future may be a better goal.
One player they could look to trade in an attempt to build for the future is combo guard Terry Rozier. He’s currently on a four-year deal, but the Hornets may value the cap space more in the long run.
With that in mind, there could be some intriguing deals out there for Rozier that would help the Hornets clear up cap space in the future while also rounding out their roster.
NBA Trades: 3 Terry Rozier trades to help the Charlotte Hornets: Phoenix Suns
Hornets receive: Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder
Suns receive: Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr., Mason Plumlee, 2024 1st-Round Pick (Lottery Protected)
This deal may have been thrown around a few times already, but it makes a ton of sense for the Hornets. Ayton would become the franchise’s new starting center, pairing up with Ball.
Ayton has shown All-Star potential throughout his young career thus far, and next to Ball, he would be able to grow into the future with the Hornets. Crowder is mainly in the deal to match salary, but he would provide solid wing depth.
Meanwhile, this deal would see the Suns recoup some value for Ayton, as they clearly don’t value him anymore. There’s very little chance that he ends up in Phoenix next year.
Rozier would immediately become one of the best sixth men in the league, Oubre would be an elite seventh man in his return to Phoenix, and Plumlee could help fill in the gaps at the five.