The NBA trade deadline is just around the corner, and while most of the league views the Charlotte Hornets as clear sellers, there’s a twist in the narrative that’s worth watching: what if they decide to buy instead?
Now, let’s be clear - Charlotte isn’t exactly sitting pretty in the standings. But look a little closer, and there’s a promising young core quietly taking shape. That opens the door to an intriguing possibility: rather than offloading veterans for picks, could the Hornets actually try to add a significant piece to their foundation?
Enter Domantas Sabonis.
The Kings big man missed time earlier this season with a partial meniscus tear, but he’s back on the court and has been playing solid ball since his return. Sabonis brings a unique blend of size, touch, and playmaking - the kind of offensive skill set that doesn’t come around often. He’s a three-time All-Star and a three-time rebounding champ for a reason.
But here’s the catch - and it’s a big one. Sabonis is in the first year of a four-year, $186 million extension he signed with Sacramento in the summer of 2023. That deal runs through 2028 and carries a hefty price tag: $42.3 million this season, $45.5 million next, and $46.8 million in 2027-28.
That’s a lot of coin for a player who, while elite on the offensive end, doesn’t exactly anchor a defense. Sabonis isn’t a liability per se, but he’s not going to fix a defense that currently ranks 19th in efficiency either. And given Charlotte’s struggles on that end of the floor, adding a high-priced player who doesn’t move the needle defensively could be a tough sell.
It’s also worth noting that the Hornets already have some intriguing young bigs in Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner. Now, neither of them is close to Sabonis in terms of offensive production - not even in the same zip code.
But they’re young, cost-controlled, and developing. That matters for a team still in the early stages of a rebuild.
Then there’s the logistical side. Pulling off a Sabonis trade wouldn’t just be about fit - it would also require matching salaries, which adds another layer of complexity. Charlotte would have to send out significant contracts to make the numbers work, and that could mean parting with players who are either part of the future or valuable trade chips in their own right.
Look, the appeal of Sabonis is real. Last season, he averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 boards, and six assists per game - numbers that put him in rare company. He’s even drawn some “Jokic lite” comparisons, and while that’s a stretch (let’s be honest, there’s only one Jokic), it gives you a sense of the kind of impact he can have offensively.
But this is where the Hornets have to be careful. They’ve started to make smart moves, building a roster that’s young, flexible, and trending in the right direction. Taking on a massive long-term contract for a player who doesn’t address their biggest need - defense - could slow that momentum.
Sabonis is a difference-maker, no doubt. But for a team like Charlotte, still laying the foundation, this might be the wrong time - and the wrong price - to make that kind of splash.