As the NBA trade season heats up, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves in a familiar spot - straddling the line between building for the future and chasing a shot at the play-in tournament. According to league sources, the Hornets are keeping the phone lines open, but they’re not looking to hit the reset button just yet. Instead, they’re navigating the market with a more measured approach, open to deals but not eager to simply offload veterans for the sake of it.
One name that continues to surface in trade discussions is Collin Sexton. The veteran guard, currently on an expiring $19 million contract, stands out as Charlotte’s most logical trade chip. Sexton brings scoring punch and experience, and that combination - along with the flexibility of an expiring deal - makes him a natural target for playoff hopefuls looking to shore up their backcourt.
Among the interested teams? The Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Wolves have reportedly done their homework on Sexton as they evaluate ways to upgrade their point guard rotation. While Minnesota isn’t in panic mode - far from it, given their back-to-back conference finals appearances - there’s a sense around the league that they could be more aggressive than other top-tier Western teams when it comes to in-season moves.
That said, Minnesota has made one thing clear: Jaden McDaniels isn’t going anywhere. The rising star has become a key piece of their core, and the front office has no interest in including him in any deal. Still, rival executives believe the Timberwolves are keeping their options open, and Sexton could make sense as a plug-and-play addition who doesn’t require a massive return package.
Across the Western Conference, the trade market is shaping up to be relatively quiet among the top six teams. The Thunder, Nuggets, Rockets, and Spurs aren’t expected to make big in-season moves, leaving the Lakers as the other team in that mix that might swing for a meaningful upgrade. The Lakers are reportedly on the hunt for a versatile three-and-D wing, but whether they can land that type of player remains an open question.
Meanwhile, down in New Orleans, the Pelicans have a few names floating around the rumor mill - but don’t expect any blockbuster moves involving their top young talent. While Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III are highly valued around the league, sources suggest they’re unlikely to be moved before the deadline. Instead, scouts believe players like Jose Alvarado, Saddiq Bey, Jordan Hawkins, and Jordan Poole are more realistic trade candidates, with Alvarado viewed as the most likely to be dealt.
In Atlanta, the Hawks have reportedly explored options to bolster their frontcourt, including a check-in on Mavericks big man Anthony Davis. But those talks haven’t gained traction, and there’s a growing sense that the Hawks may pivot toward a more financially manageable move.
One hypothetical floated by league personnel involves a package centered around Nikola Vucevic and Coby White from the Bulls - a deal that could make more sense for Atlanta if they’re trying to build around Kristaps Porzingis’ expiring contract. To be clear, there’s no indication that those talks have taken place - it’s simply the type of structure that could appeal to the Hawks as they weigh their options.
And don’t sleep on Marvin Bagley III as a name to watch. The Wizards big man is starting to attract interest from teams looking to shore up their frontcourt depth. Bagley’s blend of size, athleticism, and upside makes him an intriguing midseason target, especially for contenders seeking a spark off the bench or insurance against injuries down the stretch.
With the trade deadline inching closer, conversations are picking up across the league. Some teams are eyeing upgrades for a playoff push, others are looking to recalibrate their rosters, and a few are simply keeping their powder dry. But as always, it only takes one deal to shift the landscape - and the pieces are starting to move.