Charlotte Hornets Attempted To Trade Up in 2026 NBA Draft

The Charlotte Hornets were active on draft night, selecting Hannes Steinbach with the 14th overall pick and Christian Anderson with the 18th overall pick.

However, the Hornets' draft night could've ended differently as they offered the Golden State Warriors the 14th overall pick and a future draft pick for the 11th overall pick.

"The Warriors liked their pivot option — Yaxel Lendeborg, a 6-foot-9 Michigan wing who was next on their collective big board — but Dunleavy wanted to entertain trade calls until the last minute," ESPN Warriors reporter Anthony Slater wrote. "The Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder were among those inquiring about a trade up — the Hornets offering the 14th selection and a future pick, the Thunder floating a swap of the 12th and 11th pick for some future seconds, league sources said."

While Charlotte didn't land the 11th overall pick, they added two core young pieces in Steinbach and Anderson.

Steinbach had an impressive freshman season at Washington, averaging 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 34 percent from three.

The 20-year-old established himself as one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the nation. He could be impactful in his rookie season for the Hornets in their big man rotation.

Anderson could also play a role in his rookie campaign, especially given the Hornets' trade of star point guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Anderson played two years in college, averaging 10.6 points, three rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in his freshman season, shooting 42.9 percent from the floor and 38 percent from behind the arc.

He improved drastically in his sophomore year as a playmaker, averaging 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Anderson also shot 47.2 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from downtown.

The 20-year-old guard could be a key playmaker off the bench behind guard Coby White. The Hornets re-signed White on a three-year, $74 million deal to be their starting point guard.

Charlotte has a ton of young talent and draft capital to be excited about despite not moving up to the 11th overall pick.