Southeast Division Notebook: Hornets weigh roster moves, Heat and Hawks focus on draft workouts
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After their most promising campaign in years, the Hornets are evaluating how to bolster a core led by LaMelo Ball, rookie Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
Charlotte is expected to keep guard Coby White, acquired at February’s trade deadline, thanks to his full Bird rights. Center Moussa Diabate also projects to stay; he is entering the final season of a team-friendly contract and supplies offensive rebounding and stability in the middle.
Forward Miles Bridges headlines a group of players who could be moved, a list that also includes Pat Connaughton, Josh Green, Tre Mann and Grant Williams.
Hornets host quartet of prospects
The club welcomed four draft hopefuls for workouts Wednesday: Christian Anderson (Texas Tech), Anthony Dellorso (Arizona), Mark Mitchell (Missouri) and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (Alabama). Anderson, ranked No. 18 on ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo’s big board, may be in play for one of Charlotte’s first-round selections at Nos. 14 and 18.
Heat begin interviews with mid-first candidates
MIAMI — Holding picks 13 and 41, the Heat have started their predraft process. USC forward Ezra Ausar is scheduled to work out Friday, according to SNY. St. John’s veteran Bryce Hopkins will visit next week, the Miami Herald reports. Hopkins is a career 32.4% three-point shooter, but that mark has risen to 36.6% over the past two seasons.
Hawks weigh cap flexibility
ATLANTA — Spotrac projects two distinct offseason paths for the Hawks. Opening as much as $32 million in cap space would position them as free-agency players; remaining above the cap would prioritize retaining their own free agents while working the trade market. Regardless of direction, adding size is a priority even if backup center Jock Landale returns. Atlanta owns two first-round picks and could use one on a frontcourt option.
Source: Hoops Rumors
