The Hornets took an unusual approach after their best seasons in a decade. Instead of building on a core that finished with a win for the second time in 10 seasons, they dealt away their franchise player.
The team’s executive vice president of player personnel, Jeff Petersondetermined that the roster as drafted would ultimately not produce a true contender for the Eastern Conference. The team won the playoff game, then lost to Orlando and failed to advance in the first round.
His biggest star at point guard Lamela’s ballfinally passed the season without missing a single piece of it. Ball played in 72 regular season games after playing in 105 combined over the previous three seasons. With three years left on Ball’s contract, Peterson decided to trade him high and deal him to the point guard-starved Timberwolves.
Peterson also posted the team’s fourth-leading scorer, Miles Bridgesto the Sun. The Hornets got some capital in those deals, but it was also a liability Mog Knueppel as the new face of the franchise.
Charlotte surprised some draft experts by selecting Knuepel fourth overall in 2025, but he has more than lived up to the front office’s faith. Knueppel was a factor from day one, averaging 18.5 points and finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting behind former college teammate Cooper Flagg.
Brandon Millerthe team’s leading scorer last season with 20.2 points, could soon sign an extension of the rookie scale. The Hornets have already made a major commitment at guard Kobe Whitewho didn’t really have a future in Chicago after signing with the Bulls Josh Giddy before the extension last offseason. The Hornets liked what they saw of White enough after acquiring him at the trade deadline to sign him to a three-year, $74 million contract.
Veterans Grayson Allenpurchased from the Suns, and Dennis Schroederacquired from the Cavaliers, will serve as the primary backcourt backup.
The Hornets replaced Bridges with a combination of trade acquisitions, Naz Reed and Royce O’Neill. Reid has been one of the league’s top reserves for the past four seasons.
Charlotte used pick #14 Hannes Steinbachwhich will compete with leftovers Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner minutes for 5 places.
This brings us to our topic of the day: Do you think the Hornets made the right move by trading away LaMelo and leaning on Kon Knuepel and Brandon Miller? Will they post a winning season for the second straight season and make the postseason, or will they take a step back this season?
Please go to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.
