By December 19, 2024
Photo: Jeff Chiu / AP
December 15 marks a key milestone on the NBA calendar: it’s the date when players signed during the previous offseason become trade-eligible. This opens the floodgates for trade season ahead of the February 6 deadline. The Hornets got a head start with their first move in the preseason by acquiring DaQuan Jeffries and three second-round picks in exchange for the draft rights to James Nnaji (No. 31 pick in 2023) in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
Since Jeff Peterson took over as the Hornets’ President of Basketball Operations in March 2024, Charlotte has been busy reshaping its roster. Most of Peterson’s moves have focused on stockpiling future draft assets, which is a clear indication that the Hornets are committed to a long-term rebuild. With the team currently sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Peterson’s forward-looking strategy appears to be firmly in place.
View this post on Instagram
As the trade chatter ramps up, Charlotte’s roster features several veteran players who could draw interest from contenders. Vasilije Micic, Nick Richards, and Cody Martin are expected to generate some buzz throughout the league.
To break down each player’s likelihood of being traded and their potential value on the market, we’ve listed two groups below to breakdown who may or may not be available as we approach the trade deadline.
Not Likely to be Traded:
Brandon Miller – Untouchable
LaMelo Ball – Untouchable
Tidjane Salaun – Young core player
Mark Williams – Young core player (injuries)
Grant Williams – Long-term injury
Moussa Diabate – Two-Way Contract
KJ Simpson – Two-Way Contract
Isaiah Wong – Two-Way Contract
Available For The Right Price (Ranked From Most to Least Likely to be Traded):
Vasa Micic – One (1) Late Second-Round Pick
Nick Richards – Two (2) to Four (4) Second-Round Picks/Rotation Player
Cody Martin – Two (2) Second-Round Picks (Injury history limits value)
Josh Green – Three (3) Second-Round Picks/Rotation Player
Miles Bridges – Late First-Round Pick/Starting Caliber Player
Tre Mann – Two (2) Second-Round Picks/Rotation Player (Upcoming RFA)
Now we know where things stand, let’s dive into some mock trade scenarios.
Nick Richards + Vasa Micic for Mitchell Robinson + Top-10 Protected 2025 1st-Round Pick (via Washington)
Why It Makes Sense for Charlotte
With Mitchell Robinson’s trade value at an all-time low due to injury concerns, the Hornets could take a long-term approach. By writing off this season, Charlotte can focus on rehabbing Robinson’s value as a backup behind Mark Williams for the 2025-26 campaign. If successful, Robinson could be flipped as an expiring contract for additional draft compensation, aligning with the Hornets’ strategy of accumulating future assets.
As consistent as Nick Richards has been this year, he isn’t this teams’ long-term starter and they have Diabate waiting in the wings to step up. With Richards’ contract set to expire in 2026, the Hornets face a challenge: they won’t be able to extend him beyond a maximum $9 million deal under league rules and his return to be a back-up as a free agent is unlikely.
The included 2025 first-round pick comes with significant conditions: it will only convey if Washington finishes in the top 10 of the lottery in 2025 or the top 8 in 2026– both unlikely outcomes. If the pick doesn’t convey, it converts into two second-round selections likely to land in the early 30s; still a valuable asset for Charlotte’s rebuild.
Why It Makes Sense for New York
The Knicks are in win-now mode and need a dependable backup center behind the foul-prone Karl-Anthony Towns. Neither Mitchell Robinson nor Precious Achiuwa have proven to be the answer for a team with title aspirations. Vasilije Micic, a veteran guard whose contract is essentially expiring due to a team option next season, provides the Knicks with additional roster depth this year while offering financial flexibility moving forward.
Richards went to high school in New York and has close ties to Knicks President of Basketball Operations Leon Rose, giving the Knicks a solid chance to re-sign him in 2026.
Miles Bridges for Julius Randle
Why It Makes Sense for Charlotte
This move would enhance Charlotte’s long-term financial flexibility while adding their best interior scoring threat since Al Jefferson. Offensively, Julius Randle’s interior dominance could thrive in a LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller-spaced offense, potentially helping Randle rediscover the All-NBA form he showcased in 2021 and 2023. Imagine the open looks Ball and Miller would generate off Randle, who was the eighth most doubled player in the league during his last healthy season (2022-23).
Additionally, Randle’s contract runs a year shorter than Miles Bridges’, giving Charlotte greater flexibility in future seasons. If the partnership works well, Randle could even be extended on a new long-term deal, providing stability as the Hornets continue their rebuild.
Why It Makes Sense for Minnesota
The early returns on Julius Randle’s fit in Minnesota haven’t been promising. His pairing with Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards have appeared clunky, and the Wolves lack of shooting has only been further exposed with Randle in the mix. Bridges’ skill set– particularly his shooting and more complementary style– could be a much cleaner fit for the Timberwolves’ offense.
Financially, this move also benefits Minnesota. With the second-highest payroll in the league and a roster already above the second apron, swapping Randle for Bridges reduces the Wolves’ financial commitment moving forward. Bridges earns $6 million per year less than Randle and is on a declining contract, making him better value as time goes on.
Cody Martin + Two 2nd-Round Picks for Pat Connaughton + 2031 1st-Round pick
Why It Makes Sense for Charlotte
In this mock trade, the pick protections would gradually lessen– becoming top-six protected in 2032 and top-four protected in 2033. While I believe the Hornets would be unlikely to hold onto the pick long-term, adding it to the Miami and Dallas first-round picks they acquired at last year’s deadline would strengthen their trade arsenal for a future “win-now” move.
Giving up three low-value assets (plus taking on Pat Connaughton’s contract) might seem steep, but Charlotte would be wise to cash in on Cody Martin while he’s healthy. The Hornets already hold a significant number of higher-value second-round picks, making this trade an acceptable gamble to bolster their future flexibility.
Why It Makes Sense for Milwaukee
The Bucks are in desperate need of a wing/perimeter defender, and Cody Martin would immediately fill that role, allowing Andre Jackson Jr. to move to the bench. Martin’s versatility could also provide a boost to the second unit, where he could take on spot duty as a ball handler– something Milwaukee currently lacks.
Additionally, the Bucks acquire two second-round picks in the near future, a meaningful asset boost for a team with only one remaining future second-rounder (2031).
Miles Bridges + 2027 1st-Round Pick for Zion Williamson
Why It Makes Sense for Charlotte
This trade is a complete wildcard, and admittedly, Zion Williamson’s trade value is difficult to pin down– I could easily be convinced this is too much or too little for him.
Similar to the earlier Julius Randle proposal, adding Williamson would give Charlotte a dominant interior scorer who complements Ball and Miller. If Williamson stays healthy, this move could form one of the highest-upside young cores in the league; a tantalizing prospect for a franchise in need of a jolt.
That said, Williamson’s health issues are well-documented, and considering Charlotte’s own track record with injuries– not to mention the local abundance of Bojangles and BBQ– the risk is clear. The silver lining? If things go south, the Hornets are protected. Wording in Williamson’s contract regarding injury protection would allow Charlotte to cut ties without being on the hook for the final three years of his deal.
Why It Makes Sense for New Orleans
While Zion has delivered flashes of brilliance, it feels like his time in New Orleans has run its course. Frustration from both the front office and fanbase has reached a boiling point, making a fresh start increasingly appealing.
In this scenario, the Pelicans acquire a likely late first-round pick and a starting-caliber wing, offering a pathway to balance their desire to remain competitive while preparing for the future.
Nick Richards + DaQuan Jeffries for Gabe Vincent/Jaxson Hayes + Two 2nd-Round Picks
Why the Trade Makes Sense for Charlotte
The Lakers’ 2027 and 2030 second-round picks are coveted in the league, thanks to Los Angeles’ uncertain, asset-poor future after LeBron James. For the Hornets, acquiring these picks provides valuable draft capital that could turn into young talent or be used in future transactions.
To make the deal work, Charlotte would need to take on Gabe Vincent’s negative value contract, which is fully guaranteed for the 2025-26 season. While Vincent has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form since joining the Lakers, a fresh start with the Hornets might help him recapture the impressive play he showcased during his time with the Miami Heat. As for DaQuan Jeffries and Jaxson Hayes, their inclusion is purely for salary-matching purposes and would have little impact on Charlotte’s long-term plans.
If the Lakers put one of their future first-round picks on the table, there is the potential for a bigger trade including the likes of Cody Martin and Miles Bridges. However, LA appears unwilling to make such a trade at this moment in time.
Why the Trade Makes Sense for the Lakers
The Lakers’ frontcourt depth has been a glaring issue, with the team relying on Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, and rookie Christian Koloko to support Anthony Davis. Acquiring Nick Richards would provide Los Angeles with a reliable backup big man who excels in shot-blocking, rebounding, and setting effective screens. Richards also offers the versatility to allow Davis to play more at power forward, a position where he has historically been more comfortable.
From a financial perspective, this deal is a win for the Lakers as well. Off-loading Vincent’s contract not only saves money this season but also creates breathing room under the first tax apron for next season. This added flexibility could be critical for making future roster upgrades as the team looks to maximize its championship window.
Read next:
