The Charlotte Hornets have been linked to three intriguing trade targets.
NBA analyst Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes the Charlotte Hornets should target Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans, Keon Ellis of the New Orleans Pelicans and GG Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is February 5 at 3 p.m. ET.
"Despite the Charlotte Hornets' crop of centers exceeding expectations, they should remain in the market for frontcourt help," Favale wrote. "With that said, the ascent of Moussa Diabaté and playability of Ryan Kalkbrenner 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.
"Oh, hello, Herb Jones. Charlotte isn't conventionally good enough to throw first-round picks on the table for, well, anyone. Jones isn't just anyone. He is under contract through 2029-30 (player option) and would give the Hornets, who are already improving defensively, their first legitimately terrifying disruptor.
"With a couple of 2027 picks to spare, Charlotte should be open to a package built around Pat Connaughton, one first and seconds if the New Orleans Pelicans drop their asking price. Failing that, distressed-prospect swings and buy-low impact players should remain the Hornets' bread and butter.
"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.
"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."
The Hornets could be buyers at this year's trade deadline. After all, they are only 3.5 back of the 10th spot in the East and seed 7-10 make the NBA play-in tournament.
For the Pelicans, Jones is averaging 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He's one of the top two-way players in the NBA.
For the Kings, Ellis is averaging 5.4 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. Sacramento is expected to trade the guard at the deadline.
Finally, for the Grizzlies, Jackson is averaging 7.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game. He could be available in trade talks.
The Hornets have a talented core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. Let's see if their front office adds more talent around the core at the deadline.
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