Hornets fans, I’m seeing lots of chatter on all of the social media sites regarding Miles Bridges being on the trade block. I also see Sabonis as a possible target. I want to stop everyone for a moment and tell them something that was once shared with me by a former GM.

Typically, when a player’s name comes up as “available for trade”, it is a method to start gauging the value the player has in the league, just to see what sort of options may be available if we were actually considering trading them. Granted, it could absolutely mean we are ready to move on. It could also be a check to see if what we are paying them is fair market value if they are coming due for a new contract. Does it mean that we will be trading the player before next season? No. We could, but it is not certain. The Bobcats once had a huge expiring contract that we thought would be a massive trade chip. Instead, we couldn’t trade them, and there was a buyout at a fraction of the contract remaining.

Next, when something comes up such as the Bridges – Sabonis trade talks, it usually means one thing if it is being reported everywhere.

1)      The trade is dead – There were talks and neither team could come to an agreement, getting the player or players for the value each wanted.

2)      The trade has already been agreed upon and we have to wait for the period where we can make it official.

3)      It’s a smokescreen for another trade that is being discussed with possibly the same players, but to other teams, or even a tool to see what the trade value is for each player, including the value of draft picks.

Lastly, everyone that is in a panic, this Hornets Organization, from the owners to the players, is not the same Bobcats/Hornets that we started with as Charlotte got an NBA team for the 2^nd time. This organization is smart. They will be strategic in whatever move they make. When you see a trade rumor, take a step back, look at our current roster. Take a look at how the team plays and what our game strategy typically is. What are our strengths and weaknesses for the team, and would player X fit into what we are trying to do, or would it be a step in a totally different direction that will hinder progress. Sometimes, no moves are the best ones. Other times, some deals are just great for both sides and have to be made. 

Look, I’ve been a Hornets fan since they were first conceived. I stopped with the NBA until Charlotte got the Bobcats. I’ve seen the lotto balls bounce in our favor with Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning, and I’ve seen them bounce to the broken shot of MKG after a 7-win season. I have seen trades that made no sense at the time, but eventually did as well as trades that made perfect sense. This organization is the first, in possibly forever, that understands what needs to be done to be successful. They are striving to do it the right way. They make smart picks, smart free agent signings, and will make smart trades if they are there. I trust whatever move or moves they will make. Everyone just take a deep breath and buy into the Hornets Culture. We have actually started to create that “Hive Mentality”. I’ve been wrong plenty of times before and had to eat crow, but what was accomplished over the last couple years, and the run last season…NBA basketball has built a nest in Charlotte, and that hive will swarm to greatness.

If I’m wrong, it won’t be the first time, but the buzz is in the air. I believe that if you listen closely, you’ll hear that more winning is coming our way!