Would the Charlotte Hornets entertain another swap with the Oklahoma City Thunder come draft night?
Over the course of the next few weeks, we'll throw together some mock trades that make sense for the Charlotte Hornets. Tonight, we check out another draft night trade that has Charlotte trading back in the first round.2025 1st Round Draft Selection 2024 1st Round Draft Selection This draft has been much maligned. Experts have been saying for months that it lacks top-end, franchise-changing talent.
On the other side, the Oklahoma City Thunder may feel like they're one player away. OKC finished with the best record in the Western Conference before falling to the Dallas Mavericks in a hard fought six game second round series. Oklahoma City saw first hand how a talented rookie can transform a franchise and make an impact on a high-level playoff series in year one. The Thunder have a treasure trove of first round selections. It's time to cash in.
In my opinion, they'd make this trade for Donovan Clingan if he's on the board. Chet Holmgren was a force in his rookie season, but Oklahoma City lacked depth behind their ascendant big man. Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams were the Thunder's best options when Holmgren hit the bench, leaving them undersized and vulnerable to deep front courts. Like the Dallas Mavericks.
Clingan boasts NBA-ready size, a soft touch, and legitimate Defensive Player of the Year Award potential. He is a perfect fit for the Thunder's current roster construction and could make an immediate impact as a role player spelling Holmgren for stretches. Three of the four conference semifinalists employed a stable of impactful big men. Dallas, Boston, and Minnesota all have multiple 6'10"+ sized bodies that stay on the floor at all times. The Thunder were clearly lacking in size, and a trade up and selection for Clingan is a move that could put them into the rarified air they couldn't reach in 2024.
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