Charlotte Hornets Eye Trades Ahead of NBA Draft Picks

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the Charlotte Hornets hold the fourth, 33rd, and 34th overall selections, but likelihood suggests they might not keep all three.

President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson is expected to pursue trades to enhance their position in the draft, aiming to move into the first round. Given their young roster, adding three rookies could dilute the team’s bench.

The Hornets are likely to select a guard at fourth overall. If they choose Ace Bailey, they might consider acquiring another guard later. However, if they select players like VJ Edgecombe or Tre Johnson, targeting a big man may take precedence considering Mark Williams‘ uncertain future and Jusuf Nurkic‘s single-season contract.

Prospects such as Ryan Kalkbrenner from Creighton, Yanic Konan Niederhauser from Penn State, and Johni Broome from Auburn could all be targets if the Hornets choose to bolster their frontcourt.

Additionally, a versatile wing player fits well into their strategy. While Rasheer Fleming from Saint Joseph’s may be a strong first-round pick, North Carolina’s Drake Powell offers a realistic option with solid shooting from distance.

“We have to build depth in the frontcourt,” said Peterson. “Drafting a guard with two second-round picks doesn’t make sense if we can find a strong frontline player.”

The Hornets are determined to make choices that position them for future success. While they would like to keep their roster competitive, every draft decision will be critical for building a contender.

As draft night approaches, keep an eye on potential trades that could shape the team’s future. Charlotte could be looking to leverage its picks and current players to move up and secure impactful talent.