Charlotte Hornets Trade Rumours: 3 things to expect before the trade deadline

Since re-branding as the Hornets back in 2014, the Charlotte franchise has been to the playoffs on just one occasion. The Hornets' lone postseason appearance came back in 2016, and the team were knocked out in the first round by Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat.

So far this season, the Hornets have performed reasonably well, and the team currently sit 7th in the East standings with a 26-26 record. Kemba Walker has been the driving force behind the Hornets' run to playoff contention, however, a postseason appearance is far from guaranteed, and the Hornets could finish the season as low as 11th.

In terms of trades, the Hornets currently have their hands tied by a bloated wage bill, although the team is still likely to be active in the market next week.

So as we enter the final few days of the trade window, here are three things to expect from the Charlotte Hornets.

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#3 The Hornets won't be able to offload their highest earners

Charlotte Hornets v Denver Nuggets

A lot of the Hornets' current limitations can be attributed to the number of bad contracts on the roster. The team currently have six players earning more than $10 million-per-season, and only All-Star Kemba Walker is providing value for money.

Among the bad contracts are Nicolas Batum, Bismack Biyombo, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and each of these contracts still have multiple years to run. The Hornets would love to part with at least one or two of these contracts this month, however, rival teams around the league will be incredibly reluctant to take on the contracts.

The Hornets' only realistic way to move their high earners would be to package them with younger players, although with the team in playoff contention, this looks unlikely, and Charlotte will most likely revisit the situation in the summer.

#2 The team won't add a second All-Star

Golden State Warriors v Detroit Pistons

Despite being controlled by the most famous basketball player of all-time, the Charlotte Hornets have had a difficult time when it comes to attracting All-Stars. The team's prospects are not helped due to the constraints of being located in a small market, and the team has also failed to do anything on the court that would convince top players to consider Charlotte.

Nevertheless, both Kevin Love and Andre Drummond are reportedly available this month, and the Hornets have been linked with making a move for Drummond. While the prospect of adding a second All-Star may sound appealing, Drummond has failed to put the Pistons over the top this year, and there is no guarantee that the center's arrival would secure a playoff spot.

The Hornets also fall short on having the assets to complete a trade, and the team seems better off focusing on youth, at least for now.

#1 Kemba Walker stays in North Carolina

Charlotte Hornets v Indiana Pacers

Kemba Walker has been a member of the Hornets roster ever since the team drafted him back in 2012. In his time in North Carolina, Walker has slowly developed into an NBA All-Star, and the 28-year-old is now among the best guards in the entire league.

Nevertheless, Walker will become a free agent in the summer, and some NBA analysts have tipped the point guard to leave the Hornets due to the franchise's inability to compete. Despite this, Walker has continually stated his love for the Hornets throughout the season, and the 3-time All-Star has also spoken about the possibility that he could see out his career in Charlotte.

Teams such as the Lakers will be interested in acquiring Walker during the final few days of the trade window, however, there is still a good chance that Walker will re-sign with the team in the summer, and the Hornets should rebuke any trade offers that come their way.