The Charlotte Hornets are trading Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, they receive Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap. Williams has played just 84 games during his three seasons in Charlotte. When healthy, he has shown flashes of significant potential. This season, in 22 games (19 starts), he’s averaging 16.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 59.7% shooting. These numbers highlight his potential to be a high-impact big man.
For the Lakers, Williams brings much-needed size and athleticism to their frontcourt. Standing at 7’0” with elite leaping ability, he’s a perfect rim-runner and lob target for LeBron James and Luka Doncic. His rebounding and shot-blocking fill key gaps for the Lakers. They need his presence to help secure a guaranteed playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
The Hornets, meanwhile, continue their rebuild with a focus on young talent and future assets. Knecht, a 35% three-point shooter, gives them another perimeter threat on a team that ranks among the league’s leaders in three-point attempts. Reddish, a former lottery pick, has struggled with consistency but has emerged as a solid perimeter defender who will get an opportunity to showcase his full skill set in Charlotte. The unprotected first-round pick and 2030 pick swap could prove valuable in accelerating the Hornets’ long-term plans.
With Williams, the first domino to fall at the 2024-25 trade deadline, the Hornets’ frontcourt rotation is wide open. Who will step up and claim those minutes? How does this trade reshape the team’s strategy for the rest of the season and beyond? Let’s dive into what’s next for Charlotte.
Who Takes Williams Minutes At Center?
With both Williams and Nick Richards on the move, all signs point to Moussa Diabaté stepping into the starting center role. Diabaté’s high-energy playstyle and defensive versatility make him a natural fit to anchor the Hornets’ frontcourt. His November stretch provided a glimpse of what he can offer, averaging 10.9 rebounds (5.3 offensive), 8.0 points, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks over 12 games from November 8th to 30th. Despite limited playing time following that stretch, Diabaté has recently earned a larger role.
In his last seven games, Diabaté is averaging 22.4 minutes, putting up 8.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. While his offensive game is still developing—he averages just 3.2 field goal attempts per game—his focus on rebounding, defense, and hustle plays could be exactly what the Hornets need in their starting lineup.
His low usage on offense opens up more scoring opportunities for the other starters, giving the team added balance. For Diabaté, this role would be well-earned, considering his unconventional path to consistent NBA minutes. He’s a player who thrives on energy and effort, and now he’ll have the chance to prove he can contribute on a nightly basis as the Hornets continue to reshape their identity.
More Trades To Be Made By The Hornets
As the trade deadline goes along, several names to watch are Cody Martin, Josh Green, and Miles Bridges. Martin and Green are classic 3-and-D players who can add depth and defensive versatility to playoff-contending teams. Their ability to guard multiple positions and hit open shots makes them valuable assets for teams looking to shore up their perimeter defense.
Bridges is perhaps the most intriguing name in this mix. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller sidelined due to injury, Bridges has had the opportunity to showcase his full skill set. Over his last six games, Bridges is averaging 24.3 points, 9.7, and 4.3 assists while shooting 44% from the field. Although his three-point shot remains a work in progress (just 20% over this stretch), his ability to score, rebound, and create for others makes him an attractive option for teams in need of frontcourt help.
Given the Hornets’ clear focus on rebuilding, it wouldn’t be surprising to see one—or all—of these players moved today as the franchise looks to collect more young talent and future draft capital.
In Conclusion
The trade of Mark Williams is a strategic move reflecting the evolving priorities of the Hornets. The decision to move on from a young, productive center signals the Hornets’ focus on long-term growth. They are prioritizing asset accumulation and roster flexibility. Adding Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap strengthen their rebuild. These assets give the Hornets options to develop young talent or use them in future trades.
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