Charlotte

Hornets

One day after officially retiring from basketball, it has been announced that Walker will be an assistant coach for his former team. He’ll bring plenty of wisdom to a young team that is looking to turn a corner with a first year head coach at the helm.

The sixth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Salaun is dealing with a minor laceration that will keep him out of the Hornets’ summer minicamp. The team announced he would be available for the Vegas Summer League, but nothing was mentioned regarding the rookie’s availability for this week’s California Classic in Sacramento. Don’t expect to see Salaun in action until Las Vegas.

Simpson, the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, injured his hamstring during a pre-draft workout. The Hornets say he will not participate in the California Classic (Sacramento) or Vegas Summer League. The expectation is that Simpson will be ready when training camp opens in September.

The full details of the deal haven’t been released, but it is clear that Green will be part of a Hornets team that is looking to be more successful after two straight lottery seasons. Green will have a chance to start, but even if he plays a reserve role, he will still see big minutes. His fantasy upside was limited in Dallas, but he may get the chance to have the ball in his hands more on a team that isn’t quite as centered around one or two ball handlers.

Thompson reportedly had four year offers that were worth more money, but he took a pay cut to try and win a championship with the Mavs. His departure will open up a starting spot that will likely be filled by second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, barring more moves by the Warriors. Thompson should fill out the starting forward spot opposite PJ Washington, which means that Naji Marshall will likely fill a reserve role behind them. Green will have a chance to see big minutes for the Hornets next season, though his fantasy upside will be limited. As part of the sign-and-trade, the Mavericks have sent two future second-round picks to the Warriors.

Three days after it was reported that Jackson would opt into the final year of his contract, he’s headed to Charlotte. Given the career timeline, with Jackson moving from a title contender to a rebuilding team, the Hornets may buy him out or look to move the point guard elsewhere. If Jackson sticks in Charlotte, he could have some value backing up the oft-injured LaMelo Ball. For Denver, this move is about the money, as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will enter free agency, and Jamal Murray is on the verge of agreeing to an extension worth over $200 million.

6’1.5” guards aren’t always appealing in the modern NBA, but Simpson meets the criteria. He plays much bigger than his listed height, and he averaged 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.1 triples on elite shooting splits last season. He’ll be 22 years old before the season starts, but aside from his age and size, Simpson is an excellent prospect. He checks a lot of boxes, and while smaller guards have natural limitations on defense, he shouldn’t be a liability on that end. He was one of the most productive prospects in college basketball last season, and it is difficult to find holes in his game. He’ll compete with Tre Mann and Vasilije Micic for the role of backup point guard behind LaMelo Ball. If he earns the job, he could be a productive player, though his upside will be capped in a reserve role.

Salaun, an 18-year-old forward from France, has been playing for Cholet Basket since 2021. A smooth forward who reportedly has a 7-foot-2 wingspan, he averaged 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 3-pointers in 22.7 minutes per game this season. Salaun starred at the 2023 Basketball Without Borders camp during NBA All-Star Weekend, and the potential is there for him to be a problem on both ends of the floor at either forward position. The height of Salaun’s NBA ceiling depends on his growth as a perimeter shooter and playmaker, as the physical tools and motor are there for him to be an impactful defender. He’ll be an intriguing option who could see plenty of minutes right out of the gate for the rebuilding Hornets.

After missing the regular season’s first ten games due to a league suspension, Bridges posted gaudy individual numbers for one of the NBA’s worst teams. Charlotte refrained from trading him at the February deadline, and Bridges will be an unrestricted free agent on June 30. According to Fischer, Bridges is expected to command at least $30 million per year in his new deal, and Charlotte would open to a sign-and-trade if the right opportunity presented itself. After pleading no contest to domestic violence charges in 2023, Bridges was sentenced to three years of probation. Three charges in connection to an alleged violation of a protective order taken out by the mother of Bridges’ children were dismissed in February 2024.

Lee has spent the past 12 years coaching in the NBA after playing professionally overseas for a few seasons. Lee spent time on Mike Budenholzer’s staff in both Atlanta and Milwaukee, and he is currently the top assistant coach for Boston. When the Celtics’ postseason run ends, Lee’s focus will shift to helping Charlotte through their rebuild.