🚀 Jeff Peterson was busy at the deadline
The Hornets weren’t sitting on their hands this time. Mark Williams is heading to Los Angeles, and Charlotte gets a haul: an unprotected first-round pick, a pick swap, rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht, and Cam Reddish. Then, Peterson flipped Cody Martin and Vasilije Micić to Phoenix for Jusuf Nurkic and another first-round pick.
The takeaway? The Hornets are prioritizing long-term flexibility, adding valuable draft capital while bringing in offensive-minded players. But in the short term, are these moves enough to make Charlotte more competitive?
🔥 Miles Bridges stays put—for now
Many thought Bridges was a prime trade candidate, but he’s still in Charlotte. The logic? His contract structure makes him more valuable next season when his salary declines, giving Charlotte flexibility to either keep him or move him for an even better return. Bridges remains a key part of Charles Lee’s rotation, serving as the team’s emotional leader and most consistent scorer.
The real question: Does keeping Bridges signal that he’s part of the Hornets’ future, or was the right deal just not there?
🏀 Dalton Knecht adds firepower
The most intriguing part of this deadline isn’t the picks—it’s Knecht. The 6'6" rookie can score at all three levels and adds the perimeter shooting Charlotte desperately needs. With Brandon Miller sidelined for the rest of the season, Knecht will get significant playing time right away.
His defensive struggles are well-documented, but his ability to create shots and stretch the floor should give the Hornets’ stagnant offense a boost. Will he thrive in a bigger role, or will his weaknesses keep him from being a long-term fit?
⛔ Defense takes a hit
Trading Mark Williams means Charlotte lost length down low even if he wasn’t playing well defensively, and Nurkic isn’t exactly an upgrade defensively (but he does play with more physicality). While Nurkic brings veteran experience and some shooting ability, his lack of mobility could be a problem in Charles Lee’s defensive schemes.
This raises a big question: Can the Hornets afford to sacrifice defense for offense? Lee was brought in as a defensive-minded coach, but these moves suggest the front office prioritized scoring. How that balance plays out over the rest of the season will be key.
🔍 What’s next?
With LaMelo Ball on the verge of returning, we’ll soon see how these new pieces fit. If Knecht thrives, Charlotte might have a future core piece. If not, these moves are about long-term flexibility and setting up future trades.
Peterson’s deadline moves show a shift in philosophy—Charlotte isn’t just sitting on its hands anymore. They’re active, aggressive, and thinking ahead. The question is whether this is just the beginning or if more big moves are coming this offseason.1
