The Charlotte Hornets narrowly missed the playoffs for the second straight season, losing in the play-in tournament. Charlotte is trying to build their roster around young star LaMelo Ball.
Ball has shown throughout his career his unreal potential. Getting a well-rounded roster around him will be crucial this offseason, as he has yet to have a playoff run.
The Hornets could look to improve through the draft, but it will likely take a few years for that player to develop. With Charlotte looking to build a playoff roster, trading the book for a solidified player would make more sense.
The Hornets have other big decisions to make this offseason as well, as they search for a new head coach and decide if they want to retain Miles Bridges. Bridges had a breakout campaign, showing that he can be an excellent forward for the foreseeable future.
Charlotte will have to consider what his contract will be like when making moves like a trade. With that said, here are the three best trades the Celtics can make using the 13th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Hornets best trades with 13th overall pick
3. Spurs receive: P.J. Washington, Kai Jones, and the 13th overall pick
Hornets receive: Jakob Poeltl
The Hornets are still in need of an upgrade at the center position. Jakob Poeltl has been one of the centers linked in trade rumors for Charlotte, and he would be a solid addition.
While Poeltl isn't a big name, he is coming off a career year. Last season, he averaged 13.5 points per game along with 9.3 rebounds. He shot 61.8 percent from the field and contributed on the defensive end, with 1.7 blocks per game.
This deal would help the Spurs embrace building a young core and give Charlotte a more reliable center.
2. Pacers receive: Mason Plumlee, James Bouknight, and the 13th overall pick
Hornets receive: Myles Turner
A center that has been in trade rumors over the past few seasons has been Myles Turner. Turner is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA and can space the floor offensively. After trading Domantas Sabonis, it is less likely for Indiana to move on from Turner.
However, a package like this could entice them if they decide to commit to a rebuild. Plumlee would be an expiring contract, while Bouknight, the 2021 11th overall pick, could develop. The Pacers would also get the 13th pick in this year's draft to add another piece to their young core.
The Hornets would be getting an ideal center for their system as a defensive anchor and solid offensive player. This season, Turner averaged 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. He shot 50.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from behind the arc.
While it won't be an easy deal to pull off, if the Hornets can get Turner, they should pull the trigger.
1. Rockets receive: Mike Muscala and the 13th overall pick
Thunder receive: Gordon Hayward and the 17th overall pick
Hornets receive: Christian Wood
More three-team or more deals have become common over the past few seasons. This trade would give the Hornets a good center in Christian Wood while getting off of the Gordon Hayward contract.
For the Thunder, they take on a big salary in Gordon Hayward and receive an additional draft pick from the Rockets. Oklahoma City has been willing to take on big contracts over the past few years as they stockpile draft picks for the future. They have the cap space to do it, and they could always flip Hayward down the line if a team becomes interested or buy him out. The Thunder would also have to exercise Muscala's team option to throw him into the trade.
The Rockets are essentially trading up four spots to the 13th pick and acquiring Mike Muscala, who they can later flip. If Houston is ready to go completely into a rebuild, they could consider moving on from Wood and acquire a better draft pick.
Wood would be an excellent addition for the Hornets as a productive scorer and rebounder. He averaged 17.9 points and 10.1 rebounds this season while shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 39 percent from downtown.
This would be a homerun trade for the Hornets, as they would get off of Hayward's contract, free up cap space, and make a major upgrade at center.
Charlotte has plenty of important decisions to handle this offseason. Adding an established presence like the aforementioned players could benefit their roster for next season.
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