By June 29, 2025
Photo: Brandon Dill / AP
With free agency just 24 hours away, the Charlotte Hornets got a head start on their offseason by making their first major acquisition via trade. The team has agreed to send Jusuf Nurkic (30) to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Collin Sexton (26) and a 2030 second-round pick (most favorable of Jazz/Clippers).
Just in: The Utah Jazz are trading Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/k5hFMBSlYn
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
Sexton is coming off a strong season, averaging 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48% from the field and 41% from three. Known for his high motor and competitiveness, Sexton thrives as a downhill scorer and embodies the kind of tenacious, physical guard that Jeff Peterson has been targeting in Charlotte’s rebuild. He was renowned for his competitive spirit at Alabama, where he famously played 3-on-5 against Minnesota and scored 40 points.
Happy Collin Sexton 3-on-5-a-versary!
Insanity.
— Across The Cavs (@AcrossCavs) November 25, 2023
Sexton’s early career in Cleveland was marked by criticism — mostly around his efficiency and shot selection — but he’s made notable strides in Utah. He’s now a 40% three-point shooter over three seasons there (albeit on relatively low volume) and has significantly improved as a playmaker, nearly doubling his assist rate compared to his Cavs tenure. While his game still centers around aggressive drives, mid-range floaters, and getting to the free-throw line (a much-needed skill), he’s evolved into a more polished offensive piece.
Despite starting 82% of his career games, Sexton has been marooned on rebuilding rosters in both Cleveland and Utah. On a slightly more competitive team like Charlotte, his best role likely comes off the bench — a transition the Hornets will expect him to make.
That raises questions about how he fits into Charlotte’s current roster. If Tre Mann returns, would he share the second-unit backcourt with Sexton? The two would offer plenty of offense, but pairing them could pose defensive issues — Sexton has effort but lacks the size, length, and agility to be a plus defender.
Collin Sexton highlights from last season pic.twitter.com/DRvrfQXkpm
— 🎞 (@PeakRT_) June 29, 2025
Still, given LaMelo Ball’s injury history, Charlotte’s logic in stacking up reliable ball handlers is understandable. Sexton also offers insurance in case Mann doesn’t return, providing a similar mix of scoring and creation. That might suggest the Hornets are preparing for the possibility that Mann signs a large offer sheet elsewhere or opts to take the qualifying offer — potentially walking as an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Sexton himself is under contract through 2026, making $18.9 million annually. Charlotte could extend him by up to 140% of his current deal, which would be enough to retain him if they see him as part of the long-term plan. But would Sexton commit long-term to another rebuilding team after two years with the NBA’s basement dwellers? And would the Hornets be wise to commit significant cap space to a backup guard?
While this trade improves Charlotte’s backcourt, it creates an obvious hole up front. With Nurkic gone, the only bigs on the roster are 6-foot-9 Moussa Diabate and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner. That indicates another move could be coming.
One name to watch is Day’Ron Sharpe. Drafted by Jeff Peterson in Brooklyn, Sharpe is a Greenville, North Carolina native who played at UNC. The Nets surprisingly declined his qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. While Brooklyn would like to re-sign him, Sharpe is buried behind Nic Claxton on the depth chart. Charlotte could offer him a clearer path to starting minutes.
The Sexton trade is a win in terms of value, but it also throws Charlotte’s depth chart out of balance. If the Hornets can follow it up with a solid move at center, it could end up being a savvy way to improve much-needed depth at point guard.
Check out our Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft first– and second-round recaps, and be sure to follow NBA analyst and writer James Plowright and CLTure for free agency coverage.
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