The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly looking to make a play for a big-name center, with HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reporting that they've had conversations about Domantas Sabonis. If trade talks don't progress to anything substantial between the Hornets and Sacramento Kings, perhaps Charlotte has a worthwhile pivot in Myles Turner, the Milwaukee Bucks' starting center.
Myles Turner's future with Bucks is unclear
Everyone is waiting to see what happens with Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, but things do not look good at the moment. If the Greek Freak goes, there will be plenty of further roster modifications. One of them could be moving on from Myles Turner, as Milwaukee would shift to a more youth-driven approach in a world without Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge on a nightly basis.
Despite his down year, Turner would have value. One poor season being coached by Doc Rivers does not make him a bad player. Plenty of teams would love to have a 3-point shooting, shot-blocking big man who is firmly in his prime. Turner doesn't have the All-Star recognition that Sabonis does, but he would still be a strong fit for the Hornets if they are willing to make a splash.
Considering he makes $20 million less than Sabonis will next season, Turner could also be a more cost-friendly option for the Hornets.
Hornets' best assets won't be on the table
Equipped with the 14th and 18th picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, any team that Charlotte tries to negotiate with will want those selections—Milwaukee included. Unfortunately, it looks like that won't be happening, as Scotto reports the Hornets have been reluctant to include either of the picks when discussing Domantas Sabonis scenarios. That wouldn't change with Turner, in all likelihood.
Instead of one of their current firsts, the Hornets would likely attempt to dangle a future first-round pick or a handful of seconds in any deal. For Turner, it wouldn't be surprising if they dangled a trade involving Miles Bridges and a first-rounder down the line. Milwaukee would get needed flexibility from a financial perspective, shedding Turner's multi-year deal for Bridges' expiring contract.
A framework like that would be justifiable in a world where Giannis Antetokounmpo is not in town. Of course, the Milwaukee Bucks must first figure out whether he will be there or not. If he leaves, one of their first orders of business should be moving Turner. If the Hornets cannot land Sabonis, they have the assets to compel Milwaukee. The Bucks should hope they remain an option.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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