Charlotte NC, February 4, 2026
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Charlotte Hornets are gearing up for potential roster changes. With a seven-game win streak and promising performance metrics, the Hornets are looking to upgrade their frontcourt by targeting centers such as Nic Claxton and Myles Turner. They are also considering adding another ball-handler to further enhance their lineup. LaMelo Ball is expected to remain with the team, despite speculation, as the organization focuses on maintaining financial flexibility for future player extensions.
Charlotte Poised for Moves as NBA Trade Deadline Nears
As the 2026 NBA trade deadline looms on Thursday, February 5th, at 3 p.m. ET, the Charlotte Hornets are expected to be active participants, aiming for strategic roster enhancements, particularly within their big man rotation. This anticipated activity comes as the team experiences a significant upturn in performance, boasting a seven-game winning streak and an impressive 8-2 record over their last ten games, pushing them into contention for a play-in tournament spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is reportedly exploring minor trades to gain roster flexibility, with a focus on upgrading key positions without major overhauls.
Hornets Eyeing Frontcourt Additions Amidst Surge
The Hornets have reportedly expressed interest in several prominent centers to bolster their frontcourt, including Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets, Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers, and Daniel Gafford. Among these, Nic Claxton is considered a potentially ideal target for Charlotte. For the 2025-26 season, Claxton is averaging 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. His combination of rim protection, length, athleticism, and defensive instincts could significantly strengthen the Hornets’ interior defense and offensive lob threat.
A hypothetical trade package for Claxton, who carries a substantial $25.3 million cap hit this season, could potentially include players like Grant Williams and Pat Connaughton, alongside a first-round pick and a second-round pick. While securing Claxton might require significant negotiation, a move for Myles Turner is believed to be a more straightforward possibility for the Hornets. The team possesses sufficient draft capital to construct compelling trade offers for these targets.
Ball-Handler Search and Guard Market Dynamics
Beyond the frontcourt, there is a prevailing belief that the Charlotte Hornets should also target another ball-handler at the deadline. Recent league-wide transactions have created potential opportunities in this area. The Chicago Bulls, for instance, have recently acquired a surplus of guards through various deals, including Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey, and veteran Mike Conley Jr.. This influx of talent makes the Bulls a possible trade partner for Charlotte, who could explore acquiring players like Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu.
However, any pursuit of Coby White might face hurdles, as he is likely seeking a starting role in his next opportunity, a position Charlotte may not be able to offer. Additionally, Chicago’s asking price for White could prove to be more than what the Hornets are willing to commit. Discussions around trading Charlotte’s guard Collin Sexton are reportedly linked to the possibility of shedding Tre Mann’s contract, which has two years and $16 million remaining from 2026-2028. Generally, the Hornets are expected to be hesitant to trade significant assets for bench players unless such a move facilitates a larger, multi-team transaction that yields future assets and a player on an expiring contract.
LaMelo Ball’s Future and Financial Strategy
Regarding the team’s star guard, LaMelo Ball is not anticipated to be traded before the deadline. His considerable $37.9 million salary for the 2025-26 season significantly complicates any potential trade scenarios, limiting the number of teams that could realistically acquire him without substantial roster adjustments. The Hornets organization remains optimistic about Ball’s long-term future with the team. A key component of the Hornets’ overall strategy is maintaining long-term financial flexibility to accommodate eventual rookie maximum extensions for promising young players like Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
Broader NBA Trade Landscape
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is shaping up to be a busy period across the league, with several impactful transactions already completed. Notable moves include the Cleveland Cavaliers acquiring James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. The Utah Jazz also made a significant acquisition, bringing in Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a multi-player and multi-pick deal. Furthermore, the Boston Celtics secured center Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls, and the Washington Wizards acquired star guard Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. These deals highlight a league-wide effort by teams to refine their rosters as they approach the crucial latter stages of the regular season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the 2026 NBA trade deadline?
- The 2026 NBA trade deadline is set for 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 5th.
- Are the Charlotte Hornets expected to make trades?
- Yes, the Charlotte Hornets are expected to be active, focusing on roster upgrades and potentially making minor trades for flexibility, especially in their big man rotation.
- What is the Charlotte Hornets’ recent performance?
- The Charlotte Hornets are on a seven-game winning streak and have an 8-2 record in their last 10 games.
- Which centers are the Hornets reportedly targeting?
- The Hornets have shown interest in acquiring centers like Nic Claxton, Myles Turner, and Daniel Gafford.
- What are Nic Claxton’s current season statistics?
- For the 2025-26 season, Nic Claxton is averaging 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
- What is Nic Claxton’s cap hit for the current season?
- Nic Claxton has a significant cap hit of $25.3 million this season.
- Is LaMelo Ball expected to be traded by the Hornets?
- No, LaMelo Ball is not expected to be moved ahead of the deadline.
- What is LaMelo Ball’s salary for the 2025-26 season?
- LaMelo Ball’s 2025-26 salary is $37.9 million.
Key Features of Charlotte Hornets Trade Deadline Activity
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Deadline Date/Time | Thursday, February 5th, 3 p.m. ET | Nationwide |
| Hornets’ Trade Activity | Expected to be active, focusing on roster upgrades and minor trades for flexibility | State-level |
| Primary Roster Focus | Big man rotation upgrades | State-level |
| Recent Team Performance | Seven-game winning streak, 8-2 record in last 10 games | State-level |
| Key Center Targets | Nic Claxton, Myles Turner, Daniel Gafford | Nationwide |
| Nic Claxton 2025-26 Stats | 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.4 blocks per game | Nationwide |
| Nic Claxton 2025-26 Cap Hit | $25.3 million | Nationwide |
| LaMelo Ball Trade Status | Not expected to be moved | State-level |
| LaMelo Ball 2025-26 Salary | $37.9 million | Nationwide |
| Overall Strategy | Maintain long-term financial flexibility for future rookie max extensions | State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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