The season is over the Charlotte Hornets, and they've already turned their attention toward the offseason. The Hornets still have plenty of talent and are looking for the piece or two to push them towards being a title contender. Charlotte should have plenty of a cap space and will be able to go after at least a few free agents this offseason.
While the Hornets would love to land Kevin Durant, he's not a realistic target at this point. We're ignoring the Hornets' own free agents and instead focusing on other team's players. With that in mind, here are 4 realistic free agent targets for the Hornets this offseason.
4. Kent Bazemore
Bazemore has become a totally different player in Atlanta since he moved to the Eastern Conference, developing into a true 3-and-D player. That's exactly what the Hornets need if Nic Batum/Courtney Lee/Marvin Williams leave. Batum will likely be back, but chasing Bazemore could be an option if Batum leaves. He'd be a good fit for the Hornets.
3. Gerald Henderson
Charlotte moved Henderson to Portland in the deal that netted them Batum before this season, but don't rule out a return to the Hornets. Henderson had a bit of a down season, but is still on the right side of 30. Henderson would help out the Hornets depth at SG, where the team is dangerously thin if Lee walks.
2. Dwight Howard
Assuming he opts out of his deal with the Rockets, Howard could end up in Charlotte. While Howard isn't the player he once was, he can still be an effective player. He's not a max-type player, but the Hornets could throw money at him in an attempt to land him. Howard could be a stop-gap while the Hornets groom a big man behind him that they take in the NBA Draft this year.
1. Al Horford
Horford is a better option than Howard at this point. He might not be as great a rebounder, but he doesn't come with the baggage. He can also stretch the floor much better than Howard. Horford is going to get a max deal from someone this offseason, and the Hornets will have competition in their bid to land him. The biggest question is if Horford wants to play in Charlotte. If Al Jefferson doesn't return, expect the Hornets to at least try to land Horford.
Back to the Charlotte Hornets Newsfeed