Hornets Send Nurkic to Spurs in Draft-Capital Deal

By Terrence Blake | Charlotte Observer

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Hornets are continuing their rebuild — and clearing the books.

In a move that signals a clear shift toward long-term planning, the Hornets have traded veteran center Jusuf Nurkić and a 2025 second-round pick (via the New Orleans Pelicans) to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for a protected 2027 first-round pick, team sources confirmed Monday morning.

The trade gives Charlotte added flexibility heading into the 2025-26 season while trimming nearly $20 million in salary from the books. For San Antonio, the move adds a bruising veteran presence to support Victor Wembanyama and a rapidly developing young core.

Why It Matters for Charlotte

Nurkic, 30, was acquired in a midseason deal last year but played sparingly as the Hornets leaned into youth development. By flipping him for a future first-round pick, General Manager Jeff Peterson is staying true to his “assets over wins” mantra as the franchise eyes a multi-year rebuild.

“This isn’t about the now — this is about stacking chips for the next era of Hornets basketball,” said one team source. “We want as many darts at the board as possible over the next three years.”

The 2027 pick is said to carry top-10 protection, but could convert to two second-rounders if not conveyed. Regardless, the Hornets now have five first-round picks over the next three drafts.

Spurs Go Veteran

San Antonio, meanwhile, sees Nurkic as a reliable option to anchor the second unit behind Wembanyama. His toughness, rebounding, and screen-setting are expected to help stabilize a Spurs team pushing to make a deeper playoff run after falling short in the Play-In this year.

What’s Next

The Hornets now head into Summer League with several key questions looming:

• Will LaMelo Ball be moved before training camp?

• Is Mark Williams staying put — or just gaining trade value?

• Will Charlotte package its remaining picks to move up in future drafts?

With more deals likely before the start of the regular season, fans should buckle up for a transformative summer in Buzz City.