Who should the Charlotte Hornets try to trade for at the 2026 NBA trade deadline?
Three trade targets for the Charlotte Hornets with the 2026 NBA trade deadline have been revealed by Dan Favale of Bleacher Report.
Favale thinks the Hornets should try to trade for GG Jackson II of the Memphis Grizzlies, Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings and Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Charlotte is 14-26. They are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
"Despite the Charlotte Hornets' crop of centers exceeding expectations, they should remain in the market for frontcourt help," Favale wrote. "With that said, the ascents of Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabaté allow them to focus more on the 4 or a combo 4-5. And recent play from Tidjane Salaün might even have them leaning combo wing.
"Charlotte isn't good enough to throw first-round picks on the table for, well, anyone. Distressed-prospect swings and buy-low impact players should be its bread and butter. This list reflects as much.
"GG Jackson II is (almost) a pure mystery-box play. He has the physical tools to be everything Charlotte needs at the 3 and 4 spots if he can ever put any of it, at all, together.
"Keon Ellis is not a forward. Or under contract beyond this season. But the Hornets need players who can space the floor and defend at the point of attack. He fits that bill.
"Robert Williams III has already played in more games this season than all of last year. Though his forever-checkered health bill precludes Charlotte from treating him as a big of the future, he adds another layer of defensive versatility, as well as some currently under-explored offensive decision-making. With his contract coming off the books this summer, he's someone who could be had for a rental-type cost."
The Hornets are building around talented young forwards Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. It's unknown if LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges are still considered franchise players.
For the Grizzlies, Jackson II is averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game while shooting 42.2% from the field, 24.5% from 3 and 74.1% from the foul line. He's making $2.2 million.
For the Kings, Ellis is averaging 5.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game while shooting 38.4% from the field, 35.7% from 3 and 63.3% from the foul line. He's making $2.3 million in the final year of his contract.
Finally, for the Trail Blazers, Williams III is averaging 6.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 72.1% from the field and 70.0% from the foul line. He's making $13.3 million in the final year of his contract.
It will be fascinating to see if the Hornets make any trades before the trade deadline.