The Charlotte Hornets are making waves this season, transforming into one of the top teams in the league-a surprise for many who didn't see this coming. But as they look ahead to the offseason, there are still some gaps to address. To maintain their momentum, the Hornets might need to make strategic trades.
As the roster gels, financial considerations loom large. The Hornets could face the need to manage their salary cap, either by shedding some contracts or gaining value from those nearing expiration.
Enter Grant Williams, who stands out as a prime trade candidate. With an expiring $14.3 million contract, Williams offers a blend of skills that could attract interest. After bouncing back from a torn ACL, he's hitting 38.3% from beyond the arc, providing any team with a reliable floor-spacing power forward who also brings solid defensive skills.
Williams made a strong impression in the 2023-24 season, posting averages of 13.9 points and 5.1 rebounds over 30.6 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 50.3/37.3/76.5 in 29 games. Although a knee injury limited him to just 16 games last year, he's returned to contribute off the bench this season. However, it seems unlikely that Charlotte will extend his contract.
Given these circumstances, trading Williams could be a smart move for the Hornets. His reasonable salary and skill set make him an attractive asset for contenders looking for a versatile three-and-D forward. Charlotte could leverage this to secure a valuable return, helping them continue their ascent in the league.