The Charlotte Hornets, led by President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson, faced a clear challenge after a productive offseason: their frontcourt still requires significant reinforcement. While the team boasts depth in guards and wings, the lack of a dependable center remains a major concern as the season progresses. Addressing this gap is essential for their ongoing rebuild, and trading a current player might be the solution.

Josh Green’s Role Diminished Following Recent Acquisitions

Josh Green finds himself in a precarious situation after the Hornets added promising newcomers such as Duke’s Kon Knueppel, Sion James, and UConn’s Liam McNeeley in the recent NBA Draft. The team further reduced Green’s playing time by acquiring Colin Sexton and Pat Connaughton, leaving less room for Green in the rotation. These developments have raised questions about his future with the franchise and increased the likelihood of his inclusion in a trade.

Green’s Injury Complicates Potential Trade Moves

Adding complexity to trade discussions, Green recently underwent surgery to correct instability in his left shoulder. Although he remains a viable trade asset, the timing of his recovery is uncertain, which could impact his market value and the willingness of other teams to acquire him at this moment.

Mitchell Robinson Emerges as a Logical Acquisition from the Knicks

The New York Knicks may present a viable trade partner, as they already have long-term commitments to Josh Hart and Karl Anthony Towns. Mitchell Robinson, a 7-foot center on an expiring contract, could be considered expendable. This possibility makes him an attractive target for the Hornets, who are eager to shore up their interior defense and rebounding.

Trade Proposal Outline Between Hornets and Knicks

A potential trade scenario would involve the Hornets sending Josh Green along with three second-round draft picks—2026 (via Denver or Golden State), 2028 (via Los Angeles Clippers swap), and 2030—to the Knicks in exchange for Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti. Though Robinson’s exact trade value can be difficult to determine, this package seems equitable, considering the Hornets’ need for size and defensive presence.

Impact of the Trade on Both Teams’ Rosters

Acquiring Robinson would provide Charlotte with an immediate presence in the paint, addressing their frontcourt instability. Alongside him, young player Ryan Kalkbrenner could develop as a backup option, bolstering depth. Robinson, at 27 years old, combines youth and experience, averaging 7.8 points and rebounds per game over his career with a high field goal percentage of 70%, and remains a strong defensive anchor with 1.8 blocks per game.

For the Knicks, receiving Green and multiple future draft picks offers a chance to build for the future while adding depth to their guard rotation. The Hornets’ reluctance to part with any first-round picks this season reflects their ongoing efforts to balance the rebuild while strengthening the team now.

Prospects and Challenges Ahead

This potential trade could mark a pivotal step for the Hornets as they attempt to solidify their frontcourt, providing an immediate defensive upgrade and rebounding capability. If completed, it may serve as a key move in their ongoing retooling strategy, while giving the Knicks additional flexibility for upcoming seasons. However, the uncertainty around Green’s recovery and the exact value of Robinson complicate negotiations. The coming weeks will reveal whether both franchises can find common ground to execute this deal.