The three-team trade between the Hornets, Thunder, and Bulls has officially gone through, and there’s already movement happening beyond the initial deal. The Thunder are expected to waive veteran big man Mason Plumlee to open up a roster spot, paving the way for a follow-up move involving the Philadelphia 76ers and Jared McCain. But while the Thunder are working the margins, it’s the Hornets who may have quietly made one of the more intriguing pickups of the trade.
Charlotte adds guard Coby White to a team that’s suddenly found its rhythm. The Hornets are riding a seven-game win streak and climbing the Eastern Conference standings, putting themselves firmly in the play-in conversation. And now, they’re bringing in a 24-year-old guard who’s not just young, but productive - and potentially a key piece for their stretch run.
White, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has been a regular starter for the Bulls over the past couple of seasons. His name had been circulating in trade rumors recently, and now he lands in a situation where his scoring and playmaking could be a real boost. He’s played in 29 games this season, starting 26 of them, and logging over 29 minutes a night.
What stands out about White’s game this year is his balanced offensive production. He’s averaging 18.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game - solid numbers that reflect his growing confidence as both a scorer and a facilitator. His shooting splits - 43.8% from the field, 34.6% from three, and 80.5% from the line - show a guard who can stretch the floor, get to the line, and finish at a respectable clip.
In a Hornets backcourt that’s already shown signs of life during this win streak, White could be a seamless fit. He brings pace, he can shoot off the dribble or spot up, and he’s shown improvement in his decision-making. While it’s still unclear what Charlotte plans to do with veteran guard Mike Conley, the addition of White suggests a focus on building around a younger, more dynamic core as the postseason push heats up.
As for the Thunder, their decision to waive Plumlee is a strategic one, aimed at clearing space for a deal with the Sixers that would bring in rookie Jared McCain. Oklahoma City continues to operate with a long-term mindset, stockpiling young talent and maintaining roster flexibility.
All told, this trade may not have involved blockbuster names, but it’s the kind of deal that could quietly shift the trajectory for a few teams - especially a Hornets squad that suddenly looks like it has something brewing.