Charlotte Hornets Starter Draws Trade Interest From Western Conference Contender

With the trade deadline approaching, a promising Hornets guard is reportedly drawing interest from a Western Conference contender looking to bolster its backcourt.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly eyeing a potential move to bolster their backcourt, and the name on their radar is Collin Sexton of the Charlotte Hornets. With the trade deadline just a week away, Minnesota’s interest adds another layer to what’s shaping up to be an intriguing stretch run in the Western Conference.

Sexton, now 27 and in the final year of his deal, is earning $18.9 million this season. He’s bounced around a bit-Cleveland, Utah, and now Charlotte-but he’s still a dynamic guard with a knack for scoring and a competitive edge on both ends of the floor.

This year, he’s putting up 14.6 points, 3.9 assists, and shooting an impressive 49.2% from the field, 38.0% from deep, and 87.3% at the line. Those are efficient numbers, especially for a player who’s often asked to create his own shot in less-than-ideal offensive situations.

Minnesota’s interest makes sense. The Timberwolves are firmly in the contender conversation, led by a trio of All-Stars in Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle.

But if there’s a weak spot in their rotation, it’s depth at the point guard position. Adding a player like Sexton could give them a spark plug off the bench or even a steady hand in certain lineups-someone who can handle the ball, get downhill, and keep the offense humming when the stars sit.

It’s also worth noting that Sexton has never been to the playoffs. At this point in his career, he’s likely ready for a shot at meaningful basketball in April and beyond. While there’s no indication he’s actively pushing for a move, the fit with a playoff-caliber team like Minnesota is hard to ignore.

Of course, Sexton doesn’t have a no-trade clause, so Charlotte holds the cards here. And with the Hornets once again on the outside looking in when it comes to the postseason, they may be open to flipping him for assets that better align with their long-term rebuild. Head coach Charles Lee is working with a young, evolving roster, and moving a veteran like Sexton could open up more developmental minutes for their younger guards.

Represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, Sexton has the backing of an agency known for navigating high-profile moves. While there’s no public pressure being applied, Paul’s track record speaks for itself-when his clients want a change, it often happens.

Sexton’s career averages-18.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.7 boards-show he’s more than capable of contributing at a high level. And while he’s often labeled a scorer first, he’s also a physical defender who brings toughness to the perimeter. That kind of two-way effort is exactly what playoff teams look for when shoring up their rotations.

Keep an eye on this one. With the deadline fast approaching, Minnesota’s interest could heat up quickly. If a deal gets done, it could be the kind of under-the-radar move that pays big dividends come playoff time.