NBA Rumors: Hornets, Collin Sexton, Pelicans, Trey Murphy III, Hawks

Hornets

The Hornets are willing to listen on trade conversations, but they’re not looking to punt on the season, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

Fischer reported that Charlotte still hopes to contend for a play-in spot and isn’t interested in simply dumping veterans.

That said, guard Collin Sexton and his expiring $19 million contract stand out as the club’s most logical trade chip.

Sexton’s deal provides flexibility, and his production makes him useful to teams seeking short-term help without long-term commitment.

According to Fischer, the Timberwolves have done background work on Sexton as they survey the point guard market and look to upgrade the position.

Sources emphasized that the Timberwolves remain adamant about not including Jaden McDaniels in any deal, but rival executives believe Minnesota could be more aggressive than most Western Conference contenders as the deadline approaches.

Fischer noted that teams such as Oklahoma City, Denver, Houston and San Antonio are not expected to make in-season splashes, leaving Minnesota — and possibly the Lakers — as the most motivated buyers among the West’s top six.

Pelicans

As coveted as New Orleans’ top wings are, don’t expect them to move.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints wrote that both Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III are viewed as unlikely to be dealt at the deadline.

Instead, rival scouts see guards Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins and Jordan Poole — along with forward Saddiq Bey — as more realistic trade candidates, in that order.

Hawks

The Hawks have checked in on Anthony Davis, but Siegel reported there’s been no real momentum and little expectation of traction.

Instead, league sources believe Atlanta is more likely to target lower-salary upgrades if it builds a deal around Kristaps Porzingis’ expiring contract.

One hypothetical floated by league personnel involved a Bulls package centered on Nikola Vucevic and Coby White, though Siegel stressed that scenario was illustrative, not indicative of active talks.