Since the 2025 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz have not been able to stay out of the spotlight. It started with the selection of Ace Bailey at No. 5 overall, which was a move that stirred controversy after several analysts reported Utah was not Bailey’s preferred landing spot.

Now, they’ve sent shockwaves through the league again with a trade involving the Charlotte Hornets.

Charlotte Hornets Acquire Bosnian Guard to Bolster Roster

According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the Jazz are trading guard Collin Sexton and a 2031 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Jusuf Nurkić. This marks a significant shakeup for both franchises.

 

Just in: The Utah Jazz are trading Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/k5hFMBSlYn

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025

Sexton joined the Jazz in 2022 after being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the Donovan Mitchell deal. He had initially signed a four-year, $70,950,000 contract with the Cavaliers, which included an average annual salary of $17,737,500.

This deal is just the latest in what has been a surprisingly aggressive offseason for the Hornets. Just a few days ago, Charlotte dealt 7-foot center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the No. 29 pick in the 2025 Draft (Liam McNeeley) and a 2029 first-round selection.

“Mark has been in the league for a couple years, and I’m going to learn a lot from him. I’m going to learn how to navigate and how to get better and what stuff I need to do to be able to play throughout the whole year and get better,” Khaman Maluach said about Williams, as per ESPN.

The franchise seems determined to retool around LaMelo Ball with versatile scorers and long-term assets.

Sexton brings instant offensive firepower to Charlotte. Last season with the Jazz, he averaged 18.4 points, 4.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. He is known for his speed, intensity and ability to create his own shot. This is an ideal fit alongside Ball, who averaged 25.2 points per game last season but suffered ankle and wrist injuries.

Sexton’s explosive scoring and reliable ball-handling give the Hornets a crucial secondary playmaker — someone who can keep the offense afloat if Ball is sidelined. With this trade, Charlotte adds not only depth and skill but also secures the guard position.

The Hornets are clearly looking to turn the page after a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, during which they finished 19-63 and missed the playoffs. But now, with Sexton in the fold, the Hornets can finally see the foundation of a competitive roster forming.