June 23, 2026, 4:53 p.m. ET
The Charlotte Hornets are seeking to add a starting-caliber frontcourt player this offseason.Charlotte may be hesitant to trade its 2026 first-round draft picks for a player like Domantas Sabonis.A potential trade scenario involves the Dallas Mavericks’ center Daniel Gafford and the No. 30 pick.The Hornets could offer the No. 18 pick and a player like Josh Green or Grant Williams in a trade.
It’s no secret that the Charlotte Hornets are looking to add frontcourt depth alongside Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner this offseason. While the aforementioned frontcourt duo played well, Charlotte could use a starting caliber option to either start in front of Diabate or play with him if Diabate were to move to power forward.
While the Hornets were originally linked to Domantas Sabonis, a deal may not come to fruition because of Charlotte’s desire to keep both of their 2026 first-round draft picks (Nos. 14 and 18). However, according to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, there’s a way in which Charlotte can retain two first-rounders and pick up frontcourt depth in the process.
Siegel floated the idea of Dallas moving up from the No. 30 overall pick and also reported that the Mavericks could be looking to move on from center Daniel Gafford. Perhaps Charlotte could package a player and the No. 18 selection for Gafford and No. 30. Of players on Charlotte’s current roster that could match salaries, both Josh Green and Grant Williams have similar contracts to that of Gafford. Both Green and Williams have one year remaining on their deal, which would suit Dallas better, while Gafford has three years remaining on his deal, giving the Hornets a long-term asset.
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