The Charlotte Hornets made a move at the trade deadline that raised a few eyebrows, acquiring guard Coby White from the Chicago Bulls. On the surface, it’s a solid pickup-White brings scoring punch, playmaking, and a bit of flair to a Hornets team still trying to find its identity.
But as with any midseason deal, the real question isn’t just about what a player brings today-it’s about what the trade means for the future. And in Charlotte’s case, there are a few reasons why this deal could come back to haunt them.
1. Coby White’s Price Tag Could Be a Problem
Let’s start with the money. White is set to hit free agency this summer, and word around the league is that he’s looking for a significant raise-reportedly north of $30 million per year. That’s elite-starter money, and while White has shown flashes of that caliber, it’s a steep price for a player who hasn’t consistently produced at that level.
Charlotte likely won’t go that high, but even a more modest extension could eat into their cap flexibility. And when you consider that they gave up Collin Sexton in the deal-a guard who had been producing well and would likely command a more manageable contract-it raises the question: did the Hornets just swap one backcourt contributor for a pricier version?
Sexton also brought more on the defensive end, an area where Charlotte has struggled all season. Letting him go, only to potentially overpay for White, could end up being a costly misstep.
2. Moving on from Ousmane Dieng Might Have Been Premature
This part of the trade is easy to overlook but might sting the most down the line. Charlotte had recently acquired Ousmane Dieng from the Thunder in a deal involving Mason Plumlee, and just as quickly, they shipped him off to Chicago as part of the White trade. The Bulls didn’t hold onto him either, flipping him to Milwaukee.
Now, Dieng’s NBA résumé is still light, but since landing with the Bucks, he’s been making the most of his opportunity. In his last two games, the 22-year-old forward has averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. That’s not just filler production-that’s the kind of all-around impact that teams covet, especially from a 6'9" wing with length and upside.
Charlotte, a team in desperate need of wing depth and long-term building blocks, might’ve let a good one slip through their fingers. Dieng is still on a rookie deal and will be a restricted free agent this offseason, which means the Bucks can match any offer. The Hornets had a chance to develop him at a discount, and instead, they moved on without giving him a real look.
3. There's a Real Chance White Doesn’t Stick Around
Here’s the bottom line: point guard wasn’t the Hornets’ most pressing need. Their bigger issues lie on the wings and in the frontcourt, particularly on the defensive end. So while White adds some spark to the offense, his fit isn’t exactly seamless.
And with just 27 games left in the regular season, there’s a very real possibility that White finishes the year in Charlotte… and then walks in free agency. If that happens, the Hornets will have given up Sexton, Dieng, and two second-round picks for a short-term rental. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that’s not in win-now mode.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a franchise-altering mistake-two second-round picks aren’t going to make or break Charlotte’s future. But the pieces they gave up, especially Dieng, could have had real value moving forward. White’s talent is undeniable, but if the Hornets can’t re-sign him-or if they end up overpaying-they might look back at this trade as a missed opportunity to build something more sustainable.
Time will tell how this one plays out, but for now, the Hornets are walking a fine line between short-term spark and long-term regret.