The Charlotte Hornets appear to have a clear target for which player they want in the 2020 NBA Draft. It could require trading with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 1 pick in order to get it done.
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, there is still a possibility the Hornets and Timberwolves could agree to a trade centered around the No. 1 pick— creating the opportunity for Charlotte to select James Wiseman.
There’s still a possibility that the Timberwolves trade down with the Hornets, who would likely take James Wiseman with the first pick.
It hasn’t been since the Al Jefferson era that Charlotte has started a center that makes a dynamic impact. The Hornets could change that if they were to trade up— otherwise, they could be in position to trade a prospect like LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards.
Per O’Connor, the Timberwolves would likely select Edwards with the No. 3 pick if they were to move down in the 2020 NBA Draft via trade with the Hornets. O’Connor believes Edwards is the best fit for Minnesota— making a trade down a logical sequence to execute.
If they did, the Wolves could still possibly select Edwards third. Regardless, Edwards is the top prospect who makes the most sense in Minnesota, as he’s the best positional fit next to D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The idea of moving up to No. 1 overall in order to select Wiseman is justified if the Hornets believe the Golden State Warriors will take him at No. 2 if he’s available. Jumping ahead in the NBA Draft order is the only alternative to guarantee his availability for Charlotte.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves do not have a fit with James Wiseman whatsoever with the current configuration of its roster— making a trade down to capitalize on the interest from the Charlotte Hornets and Golden State Warriors the best move possible.
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