DRAFT FIRST, DEAL LATER: Why the Charlotte Hornets Are Expected to Hold Off on Major Trades Until After Draft Night Decisions Are Made

The Charlotte Hornets find themselves at yet another crossroads as the NBA Draft rapidly approaches, and all eyes are fixed on what moves the franchise might—or might not—make in the days leading up to and following the annual selection event. For a team that has hovered in the shadows of mediocrity for the better part of the last decade, the draft represents more than just an infusion of young talent; it signals a turning point in direction, culture, and long-term planning. While rumors swirl around the league about possible trades, front office shakeups, and the Hornets’ desire to reshape their roster, there’s a growing consensus among league insiders and team sources that Charlotte will likely wait until after the draft to pull the trigger on any significant trades. This calculated hesitation is not only a reflection of strategy but a necessary pause dictated by a number of interconnected factors, from front office evaluation and draft board fluidity to salary cap implications and the unpredictable trade landscape around the league.

To understand why the Hornets are inclined to delay blockbuster decisions until post-draft, one must first examine the context in which the organization currently operates. With a new ownership group still getting its footing and a front office that continues to evolve, the Hornets are not just trying to improve a basketball roster; they are, in many ways, redefining what the franchise stands for. Patience, therefore, becomes not a sign of indecision but an asset in an environment where rushed decisions have historically led to poor returns. The current front office, led by general manager Jeff Peterson and newly installed head coach Charles Lee, appears committed to building the franchise with care rather than spectacle. That deliberate approach starts with making the most of their picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, where they hold several crucial selections, including one inside the lottery that could shape their future.

The NBA Draft itself is an unpredictable event, and even more so in a year without a consensus top prospect. This ambiguity makes it harder for teams like the Hornets to commit to specific trade scenarios before knowing who will be available at their spot. The Hornets’ draft position opens the door for several possibilities: selecting a high-upside prospect to build around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, trading back for future picks and assets, or even moving up if a target unexpectedly slides. Until the draft plays out, committing to a trade would mean acting without full knowledge of how the board will fall—a risk Charlotte seems unwilling to take.

Adding to the complexity is the fact that player evaluations differ wildly across teams, making trade values especially volatile around draft time. For instance, a player projected to go ninth on one team’s board may be rated third or thirteenth on another’s. This variance makes it difficult to assign firm value to draft picks in advance. In Charlotte’s case, where the margin for error is thin, ensuring they are not shortchanged in a deal involving current or future picks becomes paramount. If they were to make a major trade before the draft and the draft unfolds differently than expected, they could find themselves regretting the timing of the deal. Waiting allows them to better understand the value of their assets in real-time.

Furthermore, the Hornets are a team with a mix of young talent and veterans on less-than-ideal contracts, a balance that makes trade flexibility both vital and complicated. Players like Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward have been mainstays in trade rumors for years, and while Rozier was already dealt to Miami, Hayward’s departure freed up some space but didn’t immediately reshape the future. Now, players like Miles Bridges—set to be an unrestricted free agent—P.J. Washington, and possibly even Mark Williams or Cody Martin could be floated as trade pieces, but not before the Hornets know what holes they are plugging through the draft. The temptation to make a move involving these players must be weighed against what the draft delivers. If the Hornets land a player at a position of need, it could either make a player on the current roster expendable or render a trade target redundant.

There is also the matter of the salary cap and future financial commitments. As teams maneuver their rosters in preparation for the draft, free agency, and the upcoming season, cap space becomes a form of currency. The Hornets must be mindful not only of the salary they are taking on in a trade but also how that move would impact their ability to retain or attract players in the offseason. For a smaller-market team like Charlotte, cap flexibility is often one of the few competitive advantages they can use to lure talent or absorb contracts with sweeteners attached. Acting prematurely in the trade market could compromise that flexibility and lock them into a less advantageous position.

Then there’s the broader landscape of the NBA to consider. Many teams around the league are also in a holding pattern, waiting to see how the draft affects both their own boards and their competitors’ intentions. Big-name stars could become available in a cascading effect triggered by draft-night surprises, and teams currently sitting on trade packages may become more aggressive or more conservative depending on how the night unfolds. The Hornets, understanding the power of leverage, are likely waiting to see how other dominoes fall before committing to a move that might look very different just 24 hours later. For example, if a team ahead of them unexpectedly selects a player they were targeting, it could push them to trade back or out of the pick entirely. Conversely, if a high-end talent unexpectedly falls to their slot, they may choose to draft and develop rather than pursue a trade that would’ve cost them future flexibility.

This approach is not without risk. Waiting too long could mean missing out on early trade opportunities or finding themselves in a less favorable negotiating position after the draft when other teams may have already addressed their needs. However, the Hornets appear to be betting on their ability to assess the post-draft landscape more clearly and capitalize on opportunities that are more aligned with their long-term vision. This strategy mirrors the modern NBA team-building approach that prioritizes asset management and timing over impulse and reaction.

Another consideration is the cultural tone being set by new head coach Charles Lee, whose background includes time under Mike Budenholzer with both the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks. Lee is known for his focus on player development, accountability, and long-term sustainability—values that align with the idea of evaluating what you have before making drastic changes. By allowing the draft to play out, Lee and the Hornets’ front office will be better positioned to assess how potential trades align with his system and philosophy. Making a trade before fully understanding how the roster fits his vision could be counterproductive in the long run.

Also, with LaMelo Ball returning from injury and Brandon Miller coming off an impressive rookie campaign, there is a renewed optimism in Charlotte that the foundational pieces are in place. The focus now shifts to building around them intelligently rather than aggressively. While it may be tempting to swing for the fences, particularly for a franchise that has rarely been in the playoff conversation, the Hornets seem committed to playing the long game. That means letting the draft dictate the first moves and then reshuffling the deck accordingly.

In the bigger picture, the Hornets’ patience could set the tone for a more disciplined and methodical era of team-building in Charlotte. By resisting the urge to make early, headline-grabbing trades, they are signaling a shift toward a culture that values strategic alignment over splashy moves. If executed correctly, this could establish a sustainable foundation for success and elevate the Hornets from perennial rebuilders to legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference over time.

So as speculation continues to swirl and fans eagerly anticipate the next big transaction, the Hornets remain measured in their approach. They understand the stakes. They know that every decision made in this pivotal offseason could either extend the rebuilding cycle or mark the beginning of a new era. And for now, the smartest move appears to be waiting. Not because they are unwilling to act, but because they are preparing to act wisely. The draft will serve as the compass by which they navigate the murky waters of roster reconstruction. Only then, once the dust settles, will the Hornets truly begin to make their moves—calculated, timely, and hopefully transformative.