There are three players the Charlotte Hornets should target.
The Charlotte Hornets haven't made the playoffs since 2016.
To change that, NBA analyst Rohan Brahmbhatt of ClutchPoints believes the franchise should attempt to trade for three players in 2025-26 to surround stars LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller with more talent.
Brahmbhatt has urged the Hornets to target Toronto Raptors forward Gradey Dick, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels.
"To take the next step from play-in hopefuls to solid playoff participants, Charlotte must be aggressive in the trade market," Brahmbhatt wrote. "They’ve laid the foundation with youth and stability in free agency, but now is the moment to identify and acquire one or two higher-impact players who can accelerate the timeline and give the Hornets the type of two-way versatility they currently lack."
Dick averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Raptors last season while shooting 41.0% from the field, 35.0% from 3 and 85.8% from the free-throw line. The 21-year-old will make $4.9 million in 2025-26.
Murray averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the Kings in 2024-25 while shooting 44.4% from the field, 34.3% from 3 and 83.3% from the free-throw line. The 25-year-old will make $11.1 million in 2025-26 and become a restricted free agent next offseason.
Finally, McDaniels averaged 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists for the Timberwolves last season while shooting 47.7% from the field, 33.0% from 3 and 81.3% from the free-throw line. The All-NBA defender will make $24.4 million in 2025-26.
The Hornets had a busy offseason. They acquired Pat Connaughton from the Milwaukee Bucks, signed Spencer Dinwiddie, acquired Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz, signed Mason Plumlee and drafted Kon Knueppel, Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner.
It will be fascinating to see if Charlotte makes any big trades during the 2025-26 season. Even in a wide-open Eastern Conference, the Hornets are still a ways away from competing.