This season, we have seen some of the top teams in the NBA start to separate themselves from the rest of the field, but both the New York Knicks and the Charlotte Hornets have also emerged as possible playoff teams this season. The Hornets currently find themselves 26-24, the 4-seed in the East, and the Knick currently find themselves 25-27, the 8-seed in the East.
There is still plenty of basketball left and both of these teams still have plenty of work to do in order to lock up their playoff spots this season, but both organizations have seen their fair share of losses over the years and are finally back on the right track to having winning seasons.
Starting with the Knicks, they are not only one of the best defensive teams in the league, but they are also a fairly young team. Their two stars in Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett are just 26-years-old and 20-years-old respectively and are playing some of the best basketball of their young careers.
In fact, Randle made his first All-Star game appearance this season and is the anchor for everything they do. He currently leads the team in points, rebounding, assists, field goals made and steals.
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As for the Hornets, a lot of their success this season has stemmed from their offseason acquisitions in LaMelo Ball in Gordon Hayward. Not to mention, key guys like Terry Rozier, Devonte’ Graham and P.J. Washington have all stepped up into much bigger roles this season.
The Hornets have one of the most exciting offenses in the league and because of how young and athletic they are, Charlotte is a really fun basketball team to watch. LaMelo Ball is likely done for the season with a fractured wrist and Gordon Hayward is out right now due to a foot injury, so this team will definitely have their work cut out for them if they are to make the playoffs.
Heading into the offseason, both the Knicks and Hornets are expected to have an abundance of cap space and with the breakout rookie season that LaMelo Ball has had, will the Hornets be interested in trading Terry Rozier? He will be entering the final year of his deal and they could look to get a ton of value out of trading him, especially if they choose the Knicks as a possible trade partner.
Now, let’s take a look at what an offseason trade between the Knicks and Hornets centered around Terry Rozier could possibly look like.
