Following a disappointing postseason exit, Charlotte faces a high-stakes free agency decision as Brooklyn emerges as a serious threat to lure away the sharpshooting playmaker.
The Charlotte Hornets have a big decision to make on Coby White.
The Chicago Bulls traded White to the Hornets during the season as Charlotte made a push for the postseason. The Hornets made it to the second game of the Play-In Tournament, but its young roster was blown out by the Orlando Magic.
White had a forgettable game off the bench in the loss, and that could be his last game in a Hornets uniform. Charlotte will have to decide if they want to make a long-term commitment to pay him.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report thinks the Brooklyn Nets could be a potential option for White in free agency if the Hornets are unable to re-sign him.
"The Brooklyn Nets, who can carve out close to $50 million in cap space, will certainly be looking for bigger names, but their roster situation isn't the most appealing in the league," Bailey wrote. "If they strike out on someone like Reaves or have offer sheets for restricted free agents like Peyton Watson or Jalen Duren matched by their incumbent teams, they could chase someone like Coby White.
"Last season, after he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, White averaged 15.6 points and 3.0 assists, while shooting 39.1 percent from deep. In a bigger role, opposite Michael Porter Jr., he could likely produce even more."
Hornets head coach Charles Lee likes what White brings to the team. He's not afraid to shoot the ball in clutch moments, which would be an asset for a team trying to make a playoff push.
"We have a very deep team, but there is something about having a guy like that who's battle-tested, been through a ton of experiences as a high-level thinker and basketball player," Lee said.
"You feel comfortable putting the ball in his hands at times, especially at the end of quarters when you want to make sure you're getting a shot up at the right time or you need a clutch bucket. It's nice to have another ball handler and creator out there."
The Nets would be a more optimal place for White to land than the Detroit Pistons. Brooklyn wouldn't be a threat to the Hornets’ championship ambitions, but the Pistons would.
