CLT CLEANSE: Hornets Flip the Script in Franchise-Defining Summer

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By Almondo Joi — ESPN Senior NBA Correspondent

📍Charlotte, NC | September 30th, 2025

The Queen City is no longer quietly buzzing — it’s roaring.

After closing out a dismal 19-63 season and missing the playoffs yet again, the Charlotte Hornets front office — now under the leadership of head coach Charles Lee and new CFO Marvin Hodges — has executed one of the boldest and most aggressive offseason retools in modern NBA history.

In just over three weeks, Charlotte has effectively flipped half the roster, dumped controversial assets, and laid down the blueprint for a future built on length, versatility, and defensive nastiness. While other franchises tiptoe through the offseason, the Hornets have burned their blueprint to the ground — and are building something unrecognizable.

Let’s run it back:

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The Trades: Ruthless Rebuilding

🔁 LaMelo Ball → Warriors

The biggest domino dropped first. In a stunning move that lit up the NBA world, LaMelo Ball was shipped to Golden State for 2027 and 2029 unprotected first-round picks, signaling the official end of the Ball Era in Charlotte.

“It’s Brandon Miller’s team now,” Coach Lee said. “We’re not waiting around to be cute. We’re building a machine.”

🔁 Miles Bridges, Kon Knueppel & Josh Green → Grizzlies

In a stunning follow-up, the Hornets sent Miles Bridges, recent draft pick Kon Knueppel, and Josh Green to Memphis.

They received twin towers of promise in Donovan Clingan, and steady backup Scottie Pippen Jr.

🔁 Jusuf Nurkić → Spurs → Jazz

Acquired briefly from Phoenix, Jusuf Nurkić was rerouted in two separate deals. First to the Spurs for a 2027 1st, then to the Jazz for Collin Sexton and a 2029 second.

🔁 Nick Smith Jr. & Liam McNeely → Nets

Another youth movement trade. The Hornets picked up two future 1sts and a 2nd from Brooklyn for their former prospects.

🔁 Ryan Kalkbrenner & 2029 1st → Pelicans

A sneaky play: Charlotte traded Kalkbrenner and one of their 2029 firsts to the Pelicans in exchange for a 2028 1st-rounder, signaling a value shift in their scouting priorities.

🔁 Sexton, Sion James → Suns for Nick Richards

A hometown reunion as Nick Richards returns to Charlotte. Sexton, whose tenure never took off, heads west.

🔁 Tre Mann & Mason Plumlee → Nets

Two veterans out, youth and future in: the Hornets added Ziaire Williams, Day’Ron Sharpe, a 2027 first, and swap rights from Brooklyn.

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Free Agency: Quiet Moves with Loud Intentions

• Bol Bol (4 years, $12.9M)

• Ben Simmons (4 years, $16M)

• Bryce McGowens (3 years, $15M)

• De’Anthony Melton (3 years, $9M)

In a league chasing splashy names, the Hornets added length, IQ, and locker room edge. If Bol Bol continues his evolution, and if Simmons buys into a role-focused future? This team becomes nightmare fuel on defense.

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Coach Charles Lee’s Vision: Control the Chaos

The expected starting five?

• PG: Ben Simmons

• SG: Brandon Miller

• SF: Josh Okogie

• PF: Moussa Diabaté

• C: Bol Bol

On paper, it looks unconventional. But this team can switch everything, contest everything, and play above the rim at all five spots.

“You think we’re just trading names,” said Coach Lee. “We’re crafting matchup hell. We’re building for May and June — not October.”

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The Verdict: Boom or Bust?

Across the league, opinions vary:

• Kendall Gill (Former Hornet): “Brandon Miller’s got that Jordan darkness in him now. Watch out.”

• Paul Pierce: “They gave up talent, yeah. But this new group? They’re lean, angry, and they’ve got nothing to lose.”

• Stephen A. Smith: “This ain’t your granddaddy’s Hornets. They’re weird. But they just might be dangerous.”

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Final Word

The 2025 Hornets aren’t trying to look like anyone else.

They’re shedding the past, embracing controlled chaos, and betting that chemistry + versatility + edge is the future of basketball.

Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Buzz City is no longer asleep.

Let me know if you want this stylized for Instagram slides, a print mockup, or a Canva blog-ready format.