The Charlotte Hornets could bolster LaMelo Ball’s supporting cast by poaching Jarrett Allen to provide the interior toughness and elite rebounding necessary to transform the roster into a postseason threat.
With the No. 14 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets are expected to use the selection on a center.
The Hornets need a young big man to complement a roster that looks poised to be a threat for the playoffs next season with a bevy of talented second-year players.
Charlotte needs a center who can bring some physicality to the offense and grab boards on defense.
At The Hive suggested Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen could be a player the Hornets consider trading for this offseason.
Via At The Hive:
"The Cavaliers are still alive in the postseason, and with how wide open the East looks, they could end up having enough success that they elect to stand pat with their roster. If they do get impatient and start retooling, Allen would be a good get for the Hornets to poach.
"He’d be an elite pick and roll partner with LaMelo Ball, and he’s a pretty good passer for a big. The extra juice he’d bring on the interior could push the Hornets to the next level, especially in situations where they’re getting run off the 3-point line."
Hornets budding star Kon Knueppel recently argued the team needs to find players this offseason who can contribute immediately and bring a physical presence.
"Our physicality and toughness have to come to the next level," Knueppel said.
"Hopefully the guys we pick can contribute early, that'd be awesome, but the weight room right now is really important for us... adding more mass collectively as a team, that'll be really beneficial."
Allen, 28, would bring some size to Charlotte. The six-foot-nine, 243-pound center was a first-round pick by the Brooklyn Nets in 2017. He earned an All-Star appearance for the 2022 campaign.
Allen averaged 13.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game for the Cavs during the regular season.
He's a key reason why the Cavs are playing the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Cleveland should want to bring him back for another run next season.
However, the Hornets have some pieces on the roster and two first-round picks that could persuade the Cavs to make a trade.
