Just this past 2026 offseason saw a major earthquake take place in North Carolina. Over the course of a few days, the general manager of the Charlotte Hornets, Jeff Peterson, completely pulled apart the organization through the use of two major blockbuster deals, sending away the franchise point guard, LaMelo Ball, and forward Miles Bridges.
The plan? Make money on the players at their peak years, accumulate future draft assets, and construct a strong infrastructure for the rising star, Brandon Miller. Let’s grade the mess.
LaMelo Ball Megadeal – Twin Cities Power Play
Charlotte shipped their 24-year-old All-Star to the Minnesota Timberwolves. What did Charlotte receive in return? The reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Naz Reid, and a whole treasure trove of draft assets in the form of an unprotected 2033 first-rounder, three second-round picks, and three first-rounders (2028, 2029, and 2030).
Team Return Package Team Grade Minnesota Timberwolves LaMelo Ball A- Charlotte Hornets Naz Reid, 2033 Unprotected 1st, 3x 2nd-Rounders, 3x Pick Swaps A
The Verdict
Minnesota teams up Ball with Anthony Edwards to form a scary dynamic backcourt. However, Charlotte gets an edge because they maximize their assets. The history of Ball’s injuries is an excellent reason to turn him into Reid, an elite and modern center, and draft control of Minnesota without Edwards.
Also Read: Donovan Mitchell still hopeful of NBA Finals after OT loss to Knicks
The Miles Bridges Trade: Suns Roll the Dice
Only days after dealing Ball, Charlotte traded Miles Bridges and their 2029 first-round pick, together with a 2027 second-round selection, for the Phoenix Suns. In return, the Hornets received elite shooters and defenders Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, along with Phoenix’s 2033 unprotected first-round selection.
Phoenix Suns Grade: D+ Phoenix trades away their best three-point shooters (Allen and O’Neale) and another distant first-round draft pick for an expiring deal in Bridges. It’s an enormous gamble for a franchise that is already choking in the luxury tax, as they get athleticism, but at the cost of spacing.
Charlotte Hornets Grade: A Once again, Peterson got the most out of his deal. By sneaking in a career 40% shooter like Allen and an all-around defender in O’Neale to Charlotte, he has completely reconfigured their roster, while giving them a highly unpredictable 2033 first-rounder.
Charlotte made huge renovations to their team by taking away the glitz and glamor, but came out of June with a very competent squad, a defined alpha in Brandon Miller, and a ton of future draft assets.
