The Charlotte Hornets are heating up at just the right time-and the rest of the league is starting to take notice.
With the 2026 NBA trade deadline fast approaching, Charlotte sits just a game out of the 10th spot in the East, right on the edge of play-in territory. But what’s really turning heads is how they’re playing.
The Hornets just wrapped up January with an 11-6 record, the most wins in the Eastern Conference for the month, and they didn’t just squeak by-they dominated. They led the league in net rating (11.5), topped the charts in offensive rating (121.1), and cracked the top five in defensive rating (109.6).
That’s a well-rounded surge, and it’s earned head coach Charles Lee some well-deserved recognition as the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month. He becomes just the fourth coach in Hornets history to win the award-and the first since Steve Clifford back in 2016.
So now the question becomes: Do the Hornets stand pat and ride the momentum, or do they make a move to bolster the roster for a real postseason push?
One name floating around the rumor mill is Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. According to multiple reports, the Mavs are open to moving Gafford, and Charlotte has emerged as a potential landing spot. On paper, it makes a lot of sense.
Gafford is a classic rim-running big-high energy, efficient around the basket, and a legitimate shot-blocking presence. He’s averaging 8.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game this season while shooting a blistering 63.1% from the field.
That kind of efficiency doesn’t just happen by accident; it’s a product of smart positioning, strong finishing, and a nose for the rim. And when you pair that with a playmaker like LaMelo Ball, who thrives in transition and loves to find his bigs on the move, the fit becomes even more intriguing.
At 27 years old, Gafford brings experience without being over the hill. He’s already logged time with the Bulls, Wizards, and now Mavericks, posting career averages of 9.2 points, 5.7 boards, and 1.5 blocks per game. He’s not a star, but he knows his role-and he plays it well.
Financially, Gafford is on a $14.4 million deal, which is manageable for a team like Charlotte that’s looking to add without gutting its young core. And that’s key.
The Hornets already have a strong foundation with Ball, Miles Bridges, rookie standout Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel. Any move they make needs to complement that group, not disrupt it.
Under Charles Lee, Charlotte has found a balance on both ends of the floor. They currently rank 17th in points per game and 11th in points allowed-solid middle-of-the-pack numbers.
But when you dig deeper, their offensive rating (eighth in the NBA) shows just how efficient they’ve become on that end. Defensively, they still have room to grow (18th in defensive rating), and that’s where a player like Gafford could make a real impact.
The Hornets don’t need to make a move-but that’s exactly what makes this moment so interesting. They’re not scrambling to fix something broken. They’re in a position of strength, playing their best basketball in years, and they have a chance to build on it.
If Charlotte wants to be more than a feel-good January story, adding a piece like Gafford could be the kind of under-the-radar move that pays off in April.