Charlotte Hornets’ future looks brighter thanks to Mavericks’ collapse

When the Dallas Mavericks crumbled in the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament, it didn’t just end their season—it might have kickstarted the Charlotte Hornets’ rebuild.

While the Hornets have long been eliminated from playoff contention, their front office—and savvy fans—have kept close tabs on Dallas for good reason. Thanks to the P.J. Washington trade, Charlotte owns a top-two protected first-round pick from the Mavericks in 2027. And the Mavs’ late-season flop has made that pick a whole lot more intriguing.

Dallas’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies capped off a chaotic season, with Anthony Davis exiting early due to injury and Kyrie Irving sidelined for both play-in games. Their 118-109 defeat left them with a 43-39 record, good for just 10th in the West. The earlier-than-expected exit dims hopes of a quick resurgence in 2025-26—great news for Charlotte.

If the Mavericks stumble again next season, their 2027 first-rounder could fall squarely in lottery territory—provided it’s not in the top two, in which case it rolls over.

The Mavs’ “Big Three” of Davis, Irving, and Klay Thompson looked more like a retirement tour than a title threat. Davis, now 32, has missed 41 games this season. Irving, 33, played in just 52. Thompson shot a career-low 37.2% from the field. That instability gives Charlotte a realistic chance to snag a pick in the 3–14 range in 2027.

The Hornets may not be grabbing national headlines, but their patience could pay off. With promising young talent already in place—Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball forming a dynamic duo—adding a top-tier prospect in 2027 could be a franchise-altering move.

Hornets fans should stay tuned and root—quietly—for Dallas to keep spiraling. With smart drafting and a little lottery luck, Charlotte’s rebuild could hit a turning point in just two years.

Charlotte Hornets’ future looks brighter thanks to Mavericks’ collapse

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