The Boston Celtics eventually sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George, two future first-round picks, and two future second-round picks. But before that deal happened, the Charlotte Hornets tried to get in the mix. And according to league insider Brett Siegel, they put together a real offer.
Charlotte’s proposal included Miles Bridges, Naz Reid, and draft compensation. That was the package, per Siegel. The Celtics weren’t interested. They wanted Brandon Miller and at least three first-round picks. Charlotte said no to that. So the Hornets moved on, trading Bridges to Phoenix and keeping Reid.
It’s worth noting the Hornets have actually made a bunch of moves this offseason. The biggest one? Trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. That deal reshaped the roster pretty dramatically. Right now the projected starting five is Coby White, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Naz Reid, and Moussa Diabate. Off the bench you’ve got Tre Mann, Grayson Allen, Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neale, and Ryan Kalkbrenner.
The Hornets also have a ton of draft capital going forward. Could be three first-round picks in the 2027 draft alone. So maybe not landing Brown was the right call. They kept their young core intact, didn’t gut the roster, and still have flexibility.
Brown is a really good player. But would he have made Charlotte a contender overnight? Probably not. And giving up Miller plus multiple picks for a guy who might leave in free agency? That’s a risky bet for a team still trying to figure out its identity. The Hornets seem to be playing the long game. Whether it pays off is another question.
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