Hornets Rumors: Nick Richards, Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic

The Charlotte Hornets are at a crossroads, blending a youth-focused rebuild with the potential to leverage veteran talent for future assets.

Head of basketball operations Jeff Peterson and coach Charles Lee are steering the team toward player development — but that hasn’t stopped rival teams from circling some of their more seasoned contributors, as reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Nick Richards, the team’s reliable big man, is generating buzz across the league, per Scotto. When healthy, Richards has proven to be a walking double-double, offering dependable rim protection and rebounding.

His contract situation makes him even more appealing: $5 million this season, with a non-guaranteed $5 million for 2025-26.

Per Scotto, playoff-caliber teams see Richards as a high-value addition, with some executives suggesting it would take at least two second-round picks to get Charlotte to part ways with him.

However, there’s a caveat: starting center Mark Williams has yet to suit up this season, and his ongoing injury concerns make Richards even more critical to the Hornets’ plans. If Williams can’t stay healthy, Charlotte may hold firm on Richards, despite the outside interest.

On the wing, Cody Martin is another name drawing trade chatter, Scotto relayed. The veteran swingman is shooting 36% from deep while playing solid perimeter defense in 20 games this season.

Martin’s contract is another reason he’s so movable, sitting at $8.12 million this year with a non-guaranteed $8.68 million for 2025-26.

Over the summer, Martin was reportedly dangled alongside draft capital in sign-and-trade talks for Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro, but those discussions fizzled once Okoro re-signed with Cleveland.

If Martin keeps producing, expect his name to stay in the rumor mill as the February deadline approaches.

In the backcourt, Vasilije Micic has emerged as a potential trade piece, Scotto noted. After showing he belongs in the NBA with averages of 10.8 points and 6.2 assists over 30 games last season, Micic could be a valuable asset for a team seeking a steady backup guard.

His championship pedigree — two Euroleague titles and an MVP award in 2021 — adds to his appeal. His contract, worth $7.72 million this year with a team option for $8.11 million next season, is team-friendly.

Yet, with Tre Mann seeing the bulk of backup point guard minutes, the Hornets may consider flipping Micic for assets to aid their rebuild.

For now, Charlotte seems focused on its young core, but as always in the NBA, the trade market can change things in a hurry. The Hornets are clearly a team to watch as executives around the league continue to monitor their veterans.

• More Hornets | All coverage from Hoops Wire