The 2024-25 NBA trade deadline has officially passed, and the Charlotte Hornets made waves. After trading Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers—a move that caught many by surprise—the Hornets weren’t done. They followed it up by sending Cody Martin and Vasilije Micić to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jusuf Nurkić and a 2026 first-round pick. In his first trade deadline as the Hornets’ President of Basketball Operations, Jeff Peterson took bold steps to reshape the roster and position the team for a brighter future.
This season has been anything but smooth for the Hornets. What started with playoff aspirations has quickly turned into a disaster. Key players like Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, and Grant Williams are out for the season with injuries, while LaMelo Ball continues to battle an ankle injury. Riding a six-game losing streak, the Hornets have lost all realistic hope of competing for a play-in spot.
So, how did the Hornets fare at the trade deadline? Were there players they should have moved but didn’t? What’s next for the organization as it pushes forward with its rebuild? Let’s break it down.
Hornets Get Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and Two First-Round Picks
In one of the more surprising moves at the deadline, the Hornets dealt 23-year-old center Williams, who was averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 23 games (20 starts). Williams had shown flashes of becoming one of the top young centers in the league when healthy. Unfortunately, injuries have been a persistent issue.
Before returning this season, Williams missed significant time due to recurring back and foot problems. Given his injury history, the Hornets were hesitant to commit to him long-term.
In return, Charlotte lands Dalton Knecht, a sharpshooting wing who should fit perfectly in Charles Lee’s system, and Cam Reddish, who will get a chance to prove himself with extended minutes. The two first-round picks provide added flexibility for the future—they could be used to draft more young talent or packaged in a trade to build around Ball and Miller.
Grade: B+
Nurkic Fills Hornets Center Void, Add First-Round Pick
Before the trade, the Hornets were dangerously thin at center, with only Moussa Diabaté and 38-year-old Taj Gibson on the roster. Nurkić steps in as a reliable stop-gap option who brings physicality, rebounding, and the occasional three-pointer. While Nurkić had fallen out of favor with the Suns’ head coach, Mike Budenholzer, a fresh start in Charlotte could rejuvenate his career.
From the Suns’ perspective, the deal adds much-needed depth. Martin gives them a solid 3-and-D wing, while Micić provides reliable backup point guard minutes for the stretch run. Both players fill important roles for a team chasing a championship.
Grade: B
In Conclusion
The Hornets’ trade deadline strategy shows a focus on long-term success rather than immediate improvement. Trading Mark Williams was tough but necessary. His injury history made the front office hesitant to commit to him long-term. The Hornets received Dalton Knecht, a solid shooter, and Cam Reddish, a player with untapped potential. They also added two first-round picks, giving them flexibility for future moves.
Jusuf Nurkić offers an immediate solution at the center and short-term stability. He is not likely a long-term piece. The roster still has holes, but this deadline set the team up for the next phase. Success depends on hitting in the draft or using the picks in future trades.
For now, the Hornets’ fanbase should view this deadline with optimism. The foundation for the future is there—it’s just a matter of making the right moves from here on out.
