As the NBA trade deadline approaches on Feb. 5, the 22-28 Charlotte Hornets sit on the cusp of the play-in picture. Just 1.5 games behind the No. 10 seed Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte may consider making moves ahead of the deadline to capitalize on its recent stretch of strong play.

 

In 2026, the Hornets have already surpassed their 19-win total from the 2024-25 season in just 48 games. Sporting a plus-1.6 win differential, Charlotte has emerged as one of the league’s most impressive teams with a losing record. 

 

Continued development from forward Moussa Diabaté, increased availability from star guard LaMelo Ball and forward Brandon Miller and an impressive 2025 NBA draft class under President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson have all fueled the Hornets’ turnaround.

 

As Charlotte grows increasingly competitive, the team finds itself in an enviable position heading into the deadline. The Hornets have multiple expiring contracts, including veteran guards Collin Sexton and Pat Connaughton, flexibility in future cap space and a steadily improving young core. With that in mind, Peterson could explore opportunities to add to the roster before Feb. 5.

 Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis

 

The three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA big man has been labeled an expendable piece in Sacramento. Sabonis would immediately provide Charlotte with an additional playmaking hub through dribble handoffs and elite screen setting, potentially easing the Hornets’ turnover issues.

 

Sabonis is not the rim protector Charlotte ideally needs, but he would further cement the team’s offensive identity as a skilled finisher with passing vision and a three-point shot that has shown up in past seasons.

 

The main concern is availability. Sabonis has appeared in just 17 games this season due to injury. That lack of durability could give Charlotte pause, but a healthy Sabonis would still represent a clear upgrade at center.

 Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga

 

Reports indicate Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr and Kuminga have fractured their relationship, leading to Kuminga’s trade request. For Charlotte, Kuminga presents an intriguing upside swing.

 

An elite athlete who has flashed star-level potential, Kuminga has struggled to find consistency within Golden State’s system. Charlotte could offer more freedom offensively, allowing him to play through mistakes and explore a larger role.

 

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Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga drives to the basket during a previous matchup.

Courtesy of Sports Illustrated

Despite dealing with a bone bruise, Kuminga has reportedly remained firm in his desire for a change. If Charlotte eventually moves on from starting forward Miles Bridges, Kuminga could become a buy-low option with significant long-term upside.

 Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu

 

If Sexton is moved at the deadline, Charlotte would need a reliable backcourt replacement. Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu fits that profile.

 

Chicago’s crowded guard rotation suggests a move could be coming, and Dosunmu may be the odd man out. He is enjoying a career year in the final season of his deal, posting career highs in scoring efficiency and three-point shooting.

 

Dosunmu lacks elite size at 6-foot-4, but his ball-handling, defensive toughness and improved shooting would make him a strong fit off Charlotte’s bench if the price remains reasonable.

 Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton

 

Few big men are as coveted on the trade market as Claxton. His name has circulated in rumors for multiple seasons, though Brooklyn has yet to move him.

 

Claxton would immediately bolster Charlotte’s rim protection while maintaining the team’s rebounding identity. The biggest question is cost. Draft capital would almost certainly be required, and a deal could complicate the roles of center Ryan Kalkbrenner or Diabaté.

 

Claxton would be worth the investment, but sacrificing assets from a young, improving roster is never an easy decision.

 Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze

 

Bitadze could be a sneaky addition. In just 16.4 minutes per game, he averages more than one block and 5.2 rebounds. As Mo Wagner continues to recover from a torn ACL, Bitadze’s role could eventually shrink, opening the door for a trade.

 

Like Claxton, Bitadze would improve Charlotte’s rim defense. Unlike Claxton, he has shown flashes of perimeter touch, occasionally stretching the floor from three. That added offensive versatility could make Bitadze an appealing option as the deadline nears.

 

The Hornets are playing their best basketball in years. This could be the right moment to explore the trade market and see what opportunities exist. If not, Charlotte can continue building momentum with its young core as the season progresses.