The Charlotte Hornets remain hesitant to part with the No. 14 or No. 18 selections in the 2026 NBA Draft for Kings All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, but league chatter indicates at least one of those picks could still be used to land front-court help.
Nets center Nic Claxton has emerged as another target, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Charlotte could assemble an offer built around expiring salaries and draft capital, yet Brooklyn’s long-standing interest in unrestricted free agent Coby White adds a wrinkle. While the Nets possess sufficient cap space to pursue White outright, executives are thought to be weighing a sign-and-trade that would send White to Brooklyn and Claxton to Charlotte, preserving Brooklyn’s flexibility for additional moves. Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson previously worked under Nets general manager Sean Marks, creating a direct line between the two front offices.
Additional league buzz
- Rival teams believe Austin Reaves will stay with the Lakers if Los Angeles approaches his maximum salary. A significantly lower offer could open the door for suitors, and the Nets are viewed as a club willing to extend a max deal.
- Despite fresh trade speculation, Trae Young is reportedly enthusiastic about a new chapter with the Washington Wizards and is expected to sign a multiyear contract there this offseason.
- The cap-space-holding Chicago Bulls are prepared to absorb unwanted contracts tied to draft compensation, leveraging their financial room ahead of free agency.
- DJ Bakker, head coach of the Hornets’ G League affiliate Greensboro Swarm and runner-up for 2025-26 G League Coach of the Year, is a candidate to join Sean Sweeney’s staff with the Orlando Magic. Should Bakker depart, Hornets assistant Zach Peterson is considered the leading option to take over the Swarm.
The Hornets’ front-court search and the broader free-agency landscape are expected to intensify as the June draft and July negotiating periods approach.
Source: Hoops Rumors
