The Charlotte Hornets are entering the new NBA season facing a critical weakness at the center position, a concern that threatens their lineup’s stability. Despite President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson’s success in assembling a young core, the Hornets’ frontcourt depth remains severely limited, with their current big-man rotation among the league’s weakest.
With Mason Plumlee, Moussa Diabate, and recent second-round draft pick Ryan Kalkbrenner expected to carry the load in the paint, confidence in this lineup’s consistency is low. Compounding the issue, the Hornets traded promising center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns during the draft, which provided future assets but left an immediate void in the center spot.
Veteran Center Jonas Valanciunas Emerges as a Potential Solution
To address this pressing need, Charlotte is exploring options to add a seasoned center who can offer reliability and balance. Jonas Valanciunas has emerged as a frontrunner in trade conversations. Currently under contract for roughly $20 million over two seasons, with only the first year guaranteed, Valanciunas’s future is uncertain following his recent trade to the Denver Nuggets from Sacramento.
Interest from overseas teams, including the Greek club Panathinaikos, suggests that the veteran center could be available for a move. His contract structure provides flexibility, potentially enabling the Hornets to negotiate a trade to strengthen their frontcourt while their younger big men develop.
Trade Possibility Involving Young Players and Future Picks
A feasible trade proposal might involve the Hornets sending Josh Okogie, Nick Smith Jr., plus future second-round draft picks in 2026 and 2029 to Denver in exchange for Valanciunas. Both Okogie and Smith Jr. currently lack defined roles on the Hornets roster, making them logical trade assets. Denver, intent on immediate playoff success, may prefer to obtain young players and picks rather than retain Valanciunas under uncertain circumstances.
This trade would suit Charlotte’s growth phase, allowing the team to take a calculated risk on a dependable veteran while preserving their promising young talents. Adding Valanciunas could bring a much-needed experienced presence in the paint, an element the Hornets have long been missing.
Balancing the Roster to Enhance Team Competitiveness
The potential addition of Valanciunas aligns with Charlotte’s strategy to build a more balanced roster. Their abundance of guard talent could offset the cost of giving up young wings and draft assets to solve their center crisis. This move would provide stability in the frontcourt and help the Hornets move beyond one-dimensional lineups.
Analysts have lauded Charlotte’s offseason moves but have highlighted the need for a veteran big man to complement their youthful roster. Acquiring Valanciunas may be a pivotal step toward strengthening the team‘s competitiveness and ensuring more consistent performance in the Eastern Conference.