The Charlotte Hornets are still very much in the thick of a rebuild, but for the first time in a while, there’s a sense they might be piecing together something real. And now, with the trade market heating up, they’re reportedly eyeing a move that could accelerate that process in a big way.
According to recent reports, Charlotte is emerging as a sleeper team to land Domantas Sabonis - a three-time All-Star and one of the most skilled big men in the league. Sabonis is currently with the Sacramento Kings, but with the team now holding the league’s worst record and Sabonis sidelined due to a partial meniscus tear, the situation feels ripe for change. He’s expected to be re-evaluated in four-to-five weeks, and in the meantime, the Kings are listening.
At 29, Sabonis is in the heart of his prime, and while injuries are always a concern, his track record speaks for itself. He’s averaged over 12 rebounds per game over the last seven seasons, and he’s not just a glass cleaner - he’s a facilitator, a scorer, and a guy who can operate from the elbow, the post, or even stretch the floor when needed. For a Hornets team that’s still searching for a true identity, he could be a game-changer.
Charlotte’s current roster has some intriguing pieces, especially in the backcourt. The guard rotation is deep, but the frontcourt is still a bit of a question mark - though that’s starting to change.
Rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a revelation, anchoring the defense and giving the Hornets a legitimate rim protector. Moussa Diabate is also having a breakout year, putting up career-best numbers in his fourth season.
Adding Sabonis into that mix would give Charlotte one of the most versatile frontcourts in the league. While he’s been a center for much of his career, Sabonis is no stranger to the power forward spot - a role he played frequently during his time with the Indiana Pacers. That kind of positional flexibility could be key for a Hornets team that’s still figuring out how all the pieces fit.
Of course, any major addition comes with ripple effects. Miles Bridges currently starts at the four, and while he brings athleticism and highlight-reel plays, he’s more of a hybrid wing than a traditional big.
Then there’s Brandon Miller - a player with legitimate star potential, but one who’s struggled to stay healthy since entering the league. The talent is there, no question.
But the Hornets need more than potential - they need production and availability.
A Sabonis trade wouldn’t just bolster the frontcourt - it would take pressure off Miller and rising star Kon Knueppel. With Sabonis drawing attention in the post and on the boards, it opens up the floor for the Hornets’ young perimeter talent to operate with more freedom. And with Kalkbrenner already holding down the paint defensively, Sabonis would be free to focus on what he does best: facilitating offense, grabbing boards, and making smart, winning plays.
For a franchise that’s spent the better part of two decades searching for a cornerstone move, this could be it. Nothing is official yet - it’s just speculation at this point - but the fit makes a lot of sense.
Sabonis brings experience, toughness, and a high basketball IQ. He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, but when he has it, good things tend to happen.
If Charlotte wants to take the next step, this is the kind of swing they need to consider. The Hornets have been patient, but at some point, patience has to turn into action. Sabonis might just be the player who helps them make that leap.