The Charlotte Hornets probably have some moves to make by this year's trade deadline. They have yet to consummate a deal amid the possibility of other teams holding varying levels of interest in their players.
Nick Richards is one of the names that has often popped up. Giving him up might not be that easy of a decision for the organization, especially since he has sometimes served as a reliable understudy for Mark Williams, whose injury risk continues to haunt Charlotte.
Still, the Hornets must do their due diligence in exploring possible Richards deals. Not only has he been inconsistent, which was evident in the results of their recent matchups against the Phoenix Suns, but with several franchises reportedly interested in him, he could net Charlotte a few assets in a trade.
The Hornets should try to get rid of another vet in a Richards swap
Among the teams that could be serious in their pursuit of the Jamaican big man are the Los Angeles Lakers. The Purple and Gold desperately need a center alongside Anthony Davis, and they have already been linked to various trade candidates. Richards could be their best bet to become legitimate contenders, especially since he looks like a good fit with the roster and comes with a bargain-bin contract.
If the Lakers come calling, the Hornets can take advantage of their desperation by addressing their other roster issues in a potential deal. That includes pressing Los Angeles to take on Vasilije Micic in the package.
Micic has long worn out his welcome in Charlotte. The likes of Nick Smith Jr., Isaiah Wong, and KJ Simpson have usually proven to be more deserving of soaking up the minutes the coaching staff has allocated for the Serbian guard. There doesn't seem to be that vast of a market for him, although the Lakers' methodical approach could be a boon for the former EuroLeague MVP.
Packaging Richards and Micic might be tricky financially because they make a combined $12.7 million in salary. The good news is that the Lakers have a highly expendable Gabe Vincent, who is due $11 million this season. Adding Christian Wood or Jalen Hood-Schifino can make the numbers match.
Some Hornets fans might balk at the thought of bringing in Vincent or Wood, given their disappointing play in Los Angeles. However, keep in mind that both veterans have shown the potential to be serviceable role players in their stints with their previous clubs.
Also, the fact that Vincent is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 campaign might not be appealing for Charlotte. In that case, the organization must try to squeeze as many second-round picks from the Lakers as possible.
Acquiring more draft capital while ridding itself of Micic would certainly make parting ways with Richards easier to get to grips with.
