TRADE: Hornets send Mark Williams to Lakers for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and picks

The Charlotte Hornets pulled off a major trade, sending Mark Williams to the Lakers in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and a valuable unprotected first-round pick in 2031. The move signals a shift in team-building philosophy, as Charlotte prioritizes assets over patience with young players. While some fans are disappointed to see Williams go, his defensive struggles and lingering injury concerns made this a sell-high opportunity.

Dalton Knecht, a 2024 first-rounder, brings much-needed shooting but has questions on the defensive end. Cam Reddish, a former top prospect, has struggled to find a stable role but offers intriguing upside. More importantly, the Hornets continue stockpiling picks, now holding multiple first-rounders that could be leveraged in future deals.

What does this trade say about the team’s direction? Are the Hornets setting themselves up for a bigger move, or is this just another step in a long rebuild? We break down the reasoning behind the deal, the impact on LaMelo Ball, and whether this signals a full-scale teardown. Plus, with both Mark Williams and Nick Richards gone, who will start at center for Charlotte?

It’s a new era for the Hornets—whether that’s good or bad depends on what they do next.

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