Hornets Eye Guard Help as Bulls’ Backcourt Gets Crowded Ahead of Trade Deadline
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves in a familiar spot-searching for help at point guard. And with the Chicago Bulls suddenly flush with ball-handlers after a flurry of moves, there’s a natural opportunity here for both sides to explore.
Chicago’s recent activity suggests it’s far from finished dealing. The Bulls shipped Nikola Vucevic to Boston in a package that brought back Anfernee Simons-a dynamic, ball-dominant guard.
They also pulled off separate trades for Jaden Ivey from Detroit and veteran Mike Conley from Minnesota. That’s a lot of new faces in the backcourt, and when you factor in the guards already on the roster-Josh Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones-the Bulls are suddenly looking at seven rotation-level guards.
Something’s got to give.
Charlotte’s Search for a Ball-Handler
For the Hornets, the most intriguing name in that crowded Chicago backcourt might be Coby White. He’s a proven scorer with legitimate playmaking ability-high-usage, yes, but also highly productive. If Charlotte is looking to move off Collin Sexton in search of a younger piece or future assets, White could represent a meaningful upgrade.
But there are hurdles. White likely sees himself as a starter, and joining a Hornets team that’s fighting for a play-in spot might not match his expectations. Plus, Chicago’s asking price could be steep-possibly more than Charlotte’s willing or able to pay.
Ayo Dosunmu is another name worth watching. He’s quietly put together an efficient season, shooting 52% from the field, 45% from three, and 85% from the line.
That’s elite efficiency for a guard who also brings solid defense to the table. The catch?
He’s more of a scoring guard than a true facilitator, which doesn’t exactly solve Charlotte’s playmaking needs. And with the Bulls adding Simons, a high-usage guard in his own right, it’s possible they’d prefer to keep Dosunmu and move White instead.
Jones and Conley: Lower-Cost, Lower-Risk Options
If Charlotte can’t swing a deal for White or Dosunmu, the fallback options are Tre Jones and Mike Conley. And while they may not move the needle in a major way, there’s value in both.
Jones is a classic backup point guard-steady, unselfish, and defense-minded. He’s not going to stretch the floor (his outside shot is still a work in progress), but he’s the kind of low-maintenance player who can stabilize a second unit and keep the offense flowing.
Then there’s Conley. At 38, he’s clearly past his prime, and it’s fair to say his best basketball is behind him.
But for a Hornets team looking for a short-term bridge to the offseason, Conley could be a smart half-season rental. He brings veteran leadership, playoff experience, and a calming presence at the point.
If Chicago’s looking to offload him before the deadline, Charlotte could be a natural landing spot.
What’s Next for the Hornets?
The Hornets don’t need to swing for the fences here-but they do need to do something. This roster is crying out for a steady hand in the backcourt, someone who can organize the offense and take pressure off the wings. Whether that’s a high-upside play like White, a two-way contributor like Dosunmu, or a stopgap like Jones or Conley, the Hornets have options.
Now it’s about finding the right fit-without overpaying for it. The trade deadline is always a tightrope walk between urgency and patience. For Charlotte, the key is to make a move that helps now without compromising the flexibility they’ll need in the offseason, when bigger solutions could be on the table.