NBA executives told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that Nick Smith Jr. could be a trade candidate from the Charlotte Hornets’ backcourt.
Similar to Jock Landale, recently waived by the Houston Rockets, the Hornets appear to be positioning themselves for potential trades involving players with non-guaranteed or delayed guaranteed contracts.
Josh Okogie’s guarantee date was pushed back to July 15, signaling the Hornets may look to include his salary in a deal or waive him if no trade materializes.
DaQuan Jeffries also holds a non-guaranteed contract for the upcoming season, making him another player likely to be waived or moved.
Smith Jr., 21, has shown promise in Charlotte, increasing his role from 14.3 minutes per game in 51 appearances during the 2023-24 season to 22.8 minutes over 60 games in 2024-25.
His scoring improved from 5.9 to 9.9 points per game, and he started 27 games last season, showing growth as a key rotation player.
Smith Jr.’s shooting percentages show room for improvement, with a consistent field goal percentage of .391, a drop in three-point accuracy from .432 to .340, and strong free throw shooting over .900.
