Hornets trade ideas range from Kyrie Irving to smaller fixes for struggling offense

The Hornets finally got some shots to fall against the Cavs. Now comes the harder part. Building an offense that works without needing to make 23 threes.

Charlotte’s struggles have prompted Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World to examine five possible additions, ranging from established All-Stars to guards who could help organize things.

The names are Domantas Sabonis, Kyrie Irving, Fred VanVleet, Ryan Rollins and Collin Gillespie. These are suggested targets, rather than a reported shopping list from the Hornets.

Still, there’s a worthwhile discussion here. Charlotte has struggled to replace LaMelo Ball’s playmaking, and injuries to Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel have made an already difficult adjustment tougher.

Sabonis would offer a different way to run the offense, creating opportunities from the elbows and finding cutters. But Leiva’s proposed package includes Naz Reid, Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun and a protected first-round pick. That’s a considerable commitment, along with a sacrifice in frontcourt shooting.

Irving would supply the scoring and shot creation Charlotte needs. The more difficult question is why the Mavericks would surrender him while trying to build something around Cooper Flagg. A player looking good in another team’s uniform doesn’t make him available.

VanVleet presents a similar issue. His experience and ball security would help the Hornets, but the Rockets have their own reasons to value those qualities.

That leaves Rollins and Gillespie as less glamorous possibilities. Rollins offers a younger option with room to grow, while Gillespie’s shooting and ability to play without dominating possessions could complement Charlotte’s wings.

Even those moves would carry a price. Leiva’s Gillespie scenario, for instance, sends out both Salaun and Liam McNeeley, plus a second-round pick. Giving up two young forwards deserves more consideration than simply calling it a smaller deal.

The Hornets have reason to explore help. They also have reason to get healthier and determine what this group actually needs before spending assets.

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