The NBA trade deadline is February 5, and the buzz around the Queen City is getting weird. For once, the Charlotte Hornets trade news cycle isn’t just about dumping salary or praying for a draft pick that actually hits.
We've got a different vibe this year.
Usually, by January, Hornets fans are squinting at mock drafts. But right now, with Jeff Peterson at the helm, the strategy has shifted from "fire sale" to "surgical strikes." Honestly, the team is in a fascinating spot. They aren't quite contenders, but they aren't the walkovers they used to be either.
The Collin Sexton Situation is Heating Up
If you've been watching the box scores, you know Collin Sexton has been playing out of his mind. He’s averaging about 15.2 points off the bench and shooting nearly 49% from the field. That’s high-level efficiency for a guy who was once labeled a "ball-stopper."
Here is the kicker: Sexton is on an expiring $18.98 million contract.
Contenders love that. The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly sniffing around because they need a spark plug for their second unit. There's even talk of a lopsided-but-legal swap with the Houston Rockets involving an injured Fred VanVleet and a pile of second-round picks.
Would Charlotte do it?
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Maybe. Peterson has a weird obsession with second-rounders—he’s basically the NBA's version of a coupon clipper. If he can turn Sexton’s expiring deal into three or four picks and a young flyer like Rob Dillingham, he’ll probably pull the trigger before the 3:00 PM deadline.
Is LaMelo Ball Really on the Block?
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Every time LaMelo misses a game or the Hornets hit a losing skid, the national media starts "Unpacking" (sorry, I promised not to use that word) the idea of trading him.
The reality? It’s complicated.
Sources like ClutchPoints suggest LaMelo is safe through the end of the 2025-26 season. But—and this is a big "but"—the internal conversation is shifting. With Kon Knueppel looking like a legit star and Brandon Miller proving he’s a cornerstone, the Hornets aren't as beholden to LaMelo's "it factor" as they used to be.
They might wait until the summer.
The 2026 draft is supposedly loaded with guards like Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville. If the Hornets think they can get a haul of picks and a fresh start at PG, the "Melo era" might have an expiration date. But for right now? He's staying put.
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The Tre Mann and Miles Bridges Trade Rumors
Tre Mann is eligible to be traded as of January 16. That’s a new development. He’s on a three-year, $24 million deal, but he’s struggled to find his rhythm this season. He’s shooting a career-low 37% from the field.
Basically, he's the "odd man out" in a crowded backcourt.
Then you have Miles Bridges. He’s making over $23 million this year. While the Milwaukee Bucks have been linked to him because they’re desperate for wing depth, his contract and off-court history make him a tough sell.
Most teams want "3-and-D" guys. Bridges is more of a "Bully-ball and Dunk" guy.
Why the MLE is Charlotte’s Secret Weapon
Most people forget the Hornets have a $14.1 million Mid-Level Exception (MLE) they haven't used. Because they’re under the tax apron, they can literally just absorb a player without sending salary back.
Think about that.
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A team like the Toronto Raptors might want to duck the luxury tax. They could send someone like Ochai Agbaji to Charlotte for basically nothing just to clear their books. The Hornets get a young wing and a couple of picks for their trouble. It’s the kind of boring, cap-space move that winning teams actually make.
What to Watch For Next
The next two weeks will be chaotic.
Keep an eye on Moussa Diabate. He’s become a fan favorite with his energy, but he’s on a minimum contract through 2027. His value will literally never be higher than it is right now. If a desperate team offers a protected first-round pick for him, the Hornets have a difficult choice to make.
Do you keep the "vibes" guy, or do you take the asset?
The front office seems to lean toward the assets. Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a revelation as a rookie, which makes veterans like Mason Plumlee or even Diabate expendable if the price is right.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Monitor the injury report: If Sexton or Bridges suddenly sit out a game for "rest," a deal is likely imminent.
- Check the Rockets' moves: If Houston moves VanVleet elsewhere, the Sexton-to-Houston dream dies.
- Watch the 10th spot: If Charlotte stays within striking distance of the Play-In, they might actually buy a veteran instead of selling.
The Charlotte Hornets trade news cycle isn't going to slow down. Whether it's a blockbuster for someone like Anthony Davis (unlikely, but the rumors exist!) or a quiet move for Jalen Smith, expect Jeff Peterson to be the busiest man in North Carolina this February.