Collin Sexton’s Future in Charlotte: A Trade Chip or a Core Piece?
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves at a crossroads - not just in the standings, but in shaping the identity of their roster. And at the center of that conversation is veteran guard Collin Sexton.
Now, let’s be clear: Sexton hasn’t played himself out of Charlotte. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
He’s been one of the driving forces behind the Hornets’ recent surge, both on the court and in the locker room. But in a league where timing, contracts, and roster construction matter just as much as talent, Sexton’s name is one that could come up in trade talks - not because the Hornets want to move him, but because they might have to consider it.
Steadying the Ship
After Charlotte’s convincing win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, Sexton was asked about Charles Barkley’s bold prediction that the Hornets would make the play-in tournament - and how the team is handling the sudden uptick in attention.
His response? Classic veteran poise.
“Honestly, stay hungry. Stay in the moment and focus on one game at a time. Don’t look too far ahead, and don’t look too far into the future.”
That’s exactly the kind of mindset you want from a leader in a young locker room. Sexton isn’t just filling up the box score - he’s helping keep this team grounded during a stretch where it would be easy for a young group to get swept up in the hype.
Chasing the Playoffs - Finally
There’s also a personal angle to all this. As hard as it might be to believe, Sexton is in his eighth NBA season - 445 regular-season games and counting - and he’s still waiting for his first taste of playoff basketball.
Among active players, only Lauri Markkanen (484) and Miles Bridges (470) have logged more games without a postseason appearance. That’s not the kind of list any player wants to be on, and Sexton knows it.
Right now, the Hornets are sitting in the 11th spot in the East, just 3.5 games back of the 10th-seeded Atlanta Hawks. They’ve won three straight and eight of their last 13.
If they keep this up - if the defense holds and the offense continues to click - they’ve got a real shot at sneaking into the play-in. That would be a big moment for the franchise, and a personal milestone for Sexton.
The Case for Keeping Him
Sexton’s impact has been clear. He’s giving Charlotte a much-needed scoring jolt off the bench, attacking the rim with confidence and knocking down shots at an efficient clip - 49% from the field, 38% from three, and 87% at the line. That kind of efficiency, combined with his relentless energy, has made him a key piece of the Hornets’ rotation.
And it’s not just the numbers. His leadership, his voice in the huddle, his veteran presence - those things matter, especially on a team trying to find its footing.
The Case for Moving Him
But here’s where things get tricky. With LaMelo Ball as the only true point guard on the roster, Sexton has been asked to steer the second unit.
And while he’s done what he can, the assist-to-turnover numbers haven’t exactly inspired confidence. He’s a scorer by nature, not a floor general, and that’s shown at times.
If the Hornets want to add another playmaker or stockpile more draft assets, Sexton might be their best trade chip. He’s on an expiring contract - a big plus for teams looking to clear cap space - and he’s playing well enough to draw real interest around the league.
What Happens Next?
That’s the million-dollar question. Charlotte has to weigh the short-term benefits of keeping Sexton - the playoff push, the locker room leadership, the on-court production - against the long-term vision of the franchise.
If they keep him, they’re doubling down on a team that’s finding its rhythm. If they move him, they’re betting on future flexibility and perhaps a better fit at the backup point guard spot.
Either way, the Hornets have a decision to make. And if Sexton’s time in Charlotte is nearing its end, the team better be ready for what it’s losing - because it’s more than just points and minutes. It’s a veteran voice, a relentless competitor, and a guy who’s doing everything he can to finally break through into the playoffs.