The Charlotte Hornets have missed the playoffs in LaMelo Ball's first two seasons. They will be looking to end that streak next season. Charlotte received a crushing blow when rising star Miles Bridges was arrested for domestic violence. He was charged with felony domestic violence and had his restricted free agency tag quickly removed by the Hornets. Bridges may not suit up in the NBA any time soon and won't receive the big payday he was expecting.
The Hornets now have to shift in a new direction as they try to improve their roster. They need to maximize the roster with Ball still there. Charlotte made some good additions in the draft, with center Mark Williams and guard Bryce McGowens.
Williams will fit well with the Hornets as a traditional center. He protects the rim and rebounds at a high level, which Charlotte lacked last season. McGowens, on the other hand, can slot in as a backup guard. While he doesn't have a complete game, he can be a good scorer off the bench. Although these additions are solid, the Hornets need to fill in the rest of their roster.
Charlotte can look to acquire another rising star in free agency or look to add more depth.
With that said, here are two moves the Hornets still must make after the first weekend of 2022 NBA free agency.
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Hornets 2022 NBA Free Agency Moves
Pull off a Sign-And-Trade for Deandre Ayton
While the Hornets selected Williams, and he projects to be a solid center, they should pursue another young star. Deandre Ayton is a young player that can grow into a star. He is likely to leave the Phoenix Suns, as their relationship seems to be shattered.
Ayton has been linked to many possible sign-and-trade scenarios. Charlotte could be a team to look out for. With Bridges' situation in question, it could be beneficial to acquire a different star that could grow with Ball.
This past season, he averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 63.4 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three. Ayton is a talented big man that hasn't reached his full potential. His skills could be maximized with the Hornets with a great young playmaker like Ball.
Suns players with 15+ PPG on 60+ FG% in a season:
Deandre Ayton (2022)
Shaquille O’Neal (2009) pic.twitter.com/se7OZ1G57x— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 29, 2022
The Suns want to use Ayton as part of a sign-and-trade to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant, but that may not work out. If Phoenix can't reach a deal, the Hornets can offer a trade of role players like Gordon Hayward and young assets like P.J. Washington or James Bouknight for Ayton.
Add another rotational forward
With Bridges' legal issues and Hayward potentially being moved, Charlotte will need depth at forward. Free agency doesn't have a ton of quality options left. Making a minor trade to acquire one could be the way to go.
However, another option could be signing a player from the G-League or summer league. The Los Angeles Lakers had success with Austin Reaves being an un-drafted free agent, while the Miami Heat have developed multiple young players.
They don't need this forward to play a ton of minutes, as Kelly Oubre could take on the starting role.
The Hornets' offseason has faced some challenges, and it won't be easy to build a playoff team around Ball. The talent level in the NBA is high, with many contenders as well as young teams on the rise. Charlotte will need to swing big if they want to make it to the postseason this season.
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