Charlotte Hornets

The Los Angeles Lakers were in talks about a four-team deal involving the New York Knicks, Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets earlier this summer before the Jazz sent Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Per The Athletic's Sam Amick and Jovan Buha, one preliminary iteration of the talks between the four teams would have seen the Lakers get Bojan Bogdanovic and Terry Rozier.

Amick and Buha noted the Lakers and Jazz are still talking, with Los Angeles pursuing Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson and Malik Beasley.

The Cavs acquired Mitchell from the Jazz for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, three draft picks and two pick swaps on Sept. 1.

The rumor mill continues to churn with talk about what the Lakers might look to do before the start of the regular season. They did add help on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.64 million deal with Dennis Schröder, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Buddy Hield and Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers have been linked to the Lakers throughout the offseason, but there's no indication anything is getting close between the two sides.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week on SportsCenter (h/t Arthur Hill of Hoops Rumors) that Los Angeles has shown a willingness to use its 2027 and 2029 first-round draft picks for the right player(s).

According to Wojnarowski, Hield and Turner wouldn't be enough to get the Lakers to use both of those picks to facilitate a deal.

The Jazz might be the best potential partner for the Lakers in their quest to find players who can help them compete for a playoff spot this season. Utah is clearly in sell mode after moving Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.

Los Angeles has already taken advantage of the Jazz's fire sale by acquiring Patrick Beverley for Stanley Johnson and Talen Horton-Tucker. Clarkson is very familiar with the Lakers, having spent the first three-and-a-half years of his career with the team.

Bogdanovic is probably the best trade candidate still on Utah's roster. The 33-year-old is owed $19.3 million in 2022-23, the final season of his current deal. He's averaged 18.3 points per game with a 40.3 three-point percentage over the past four seasons.

The Lakers are coming off an 11th-place finish in the Western Conference with a 33-49 record in 2021-22.

Stephen Curry said there's only one NBA team he'd like to play for if his tenure with the Golden State Warriors ever came to an end: the Charlotte Hornets.

Curry, who played high school basketball at Charlotte Christian School, made the declaration while receiving the key to the city of Charlotte on Thursday (via Andrei de Guzman of TalkBasket).

The four-time NBA champion reiterated his commitment to the Warriors, saying he's always wanted to "finish my career at Golden State because of how much it means, and the experiences and teammates and the journey we've been [on]," before discussing Charlotte.

"Everybody asks me, 'You wanna play one year for the Hornets and come back?' … I am not breaking any news right now, I'm not making any promises," Curry said. "All I would say is if there was a team that I did want to play for that was not named the Warriors, that would be it."

Along with his previous time in North Carolina, there are a few other reasons the future Hall of Famer could be interested in landing with the Hornets.

First, his father Dell played 10 seasons with the franchise (1988-98) during his own playing career, a move that happened shortly after Steph was born in Ohio in March 1988 while his dad was suiting up for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Second, NBA legend Michael Jordan is the majority owner of the Hornets. Curry recently explained how he tries to use the same leadership techniques as MJ did during his dynastic run with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s:

Steph brought up a MJ quote from The Last Dance doc when asked about his own personal leadership style. “He(Michael Jordan) never asked anybody on his team or in the organization to do anything that he wouldn’t do himself.” 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/8IBNUDMEKA

— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) August 31, 2022

Yet, despite the connections to Charlotte, it's hard to imagine Curry moving on from the Warriors.

He's built a special environment in Golden State alongside longtime teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, and it would be quite fitting if they play another handful of years together before walking off into the sunset.

Of course, the same thing was said about the San Antonio Spurs' legendary trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, but sometimes the off-ramp of a decorated career can get complicated.

Parker ultimately left San Antonio in 2018. Where did he play his final season? In Charlotte with the Hornets.

The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2022-23 campaign having not made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, but the franchise has high expectations this year after making a few changes over the summer.

One of the biggest changes was firing head coach James Borrego and hiring Steve Clifford, who previously coached the franchise from 2013-18.

However, it'll still be difficult for the Hornets to compete in a tough Eastern Conference that includes the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat.

That said, here's a look at some of Charlotte's top games, championship odds and a record prediction for next season.

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2022-23 Hornets Schedule Details

Season Opener: Oct. 19 at San Antonio Spurs

Championship Odds: +12000 (via FanDuel)

Full Schedule: NBA.com

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Top Matchups

Atlanta Hawks (First Game: Oct. 23)

The Atlanta Hawks beat the Hornets 132-103 in last season's play-in tournament, which marked the second straight year Charlotte had been blown out in the play-in round.

After being embarrassed, the Hornets will be looking to get a little revenge in 2022-23.

However, that will be no easy task as Atlanta bolstered its starting rotation over the summer by acquiring Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. It now boasts a starting five that includes Murray, Trae Young, De'Andre Hunter, John Collins and Clint Capela.

While the two teams split their regular-season series in 2021-22, it seems Atlanta might have the upper hand in 2022-23, though Charlotte should not be overlooked.

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Boston Celtics (First Game: Nov. 28)

One of the more difficult matchups of the season for the Hornets will come against the Boston Celtics, which reached the 2022 NBA Finals before falling to the Golden State Warriors.

It won't be easy for LaMelo Ball and Co. to go up against one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, but the Celtics offense should also see a boost in 2022-23 following the acquisition of Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers, making things even more difficult for Charlotte.

That said, if the Hornets can hang with the likes of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, it will be a good sign for a team that will likely be battling for one of the lower playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

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Season Forecast

The Hornets are one of the most exciting teams in the NBA with their mix of young talent and athleticism. But that's not going to be enough to help them get over the hump in 2022-23.

Ball can be reasonably expected to take another step forward this coming season. Miles Bridges remains a free agent, though it's hard to know what his future in the NBA is after being accused of domestic assault by his girlfriend. The 24-year-old pleaded not guilty to three felony domestic violence charges in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, per ESPN's Baxter Holmes.

The Hornets will have to hope Gordon Hayward can remain healthy. He hasn't played more than 49 games in a season since the 2019-20 campaign but, he's a solid contributor when healthy.

Charlotte could be a competitor for the East's No. 5 seed, but it could also fall anywhere from the No. 8-10 seeds with competition in the conference on the rise.

Record Prediction: 45-37

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The Miami Heat are still in pursuit of Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, but they reportedly have a backup plan in place.

Sean Deveney of Heavy spoke to an executive who believes acquiring Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets is Miami's "Plan B."

“If you want to give up [Tyler] Herro before you pay him and you want to move [Duncan] Robinson, you would have to add a pick, but those two guys and Omer [Yurtseven], that might be enough to get Hayward if the Hornets decide to reconfigure," the executive said. "It’s a short-term move for Miami, but they need to make their move now. You can play him at the 3 and go big or go small at the 4. He’s a guy they’ve had interest in before.”

The Hornets were reportedly exploring a trade of Hayward ahead of the 2022 NBA draft but did not make a move. It's unclear how motivated the Hornets are to make a move now, especially given the uncertain NBA future of Miles Bridges, who is currently facing domestic violence and child abuse charges.

Regardless, it's almost a lock that Herro would not be involved in any trade for Hayward, barring some previously unknown falling out with the organization. Herro is a 22-year-old coming off winning Sixth Man of the Year; Hayward is a full decade older and hasn't played more than 72 games in a season since 2019.

Even if the Heat add Robinson's contract to the mix, there's no world in which moving Herro in a deal for Hayward makes sense. Robinson's five-year, $90 million contract has proved to be a misfire from Miami's perspective, but Hayward's locked in for $61.6 million over the next two years. Robinson's guaranteed only $64.4 million over the next four seasons.

A more logical Hayward-to-Miami deal could be consummated after Jan. 15, when the Heat could package Victor Oladipo, Robinson and a draft pick.

NBA Hall of Famer and Charlotte Hornets chairman Michael Jordan paid his respects to the legendary Bill Russell on Sunday following his death at the age of 88.

A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022

Russell's family released a statement earlier in the day saying the Hall of Famer died peacefully at his wife Jeannie's side.

An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022

Around the NBA world, tributed poured in for Russell, who famously won 11 titles in 13 years with the Boston Celtics between 1956-57 and 1968-69:

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Bill Russell: pic.twitter.com/DGX6ukOT4b

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 31, 2022

This is a tremendous loss for the entire basketball world. Cookie and I are praying for the Bill’s family and loved ones, our NBA family, and the entire basketball community. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kJvF5uBZFI

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

https://twitter.com/IsiahThomas/status/1553797801187938304

Unapologetically himself at all times!! The ultimate leader and just happened to be one of the best hoopers ever! RIP Mr Russell, you will be dearly missed 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/30xXhoGXsj

— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 31, 2022

Rest In Peace 🕊thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚 pic.twitter.com/kvDaIsjpGG

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022

Russell's accolades were immense. He was a 12-time All-Star, five-time MVP and two-time first-team All-NBA selection, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975 (as a player) and 2021 (as a coach).

His battles with fellow center Wilt Chamberlain were the stuff of legend, and while Chamberlain was a statistical marvel (and four-time MVP himself), he only managed to secure two titles during his career.

But Russell was also a pioneer and civil rights activist who faced routine racism during his playing career. He was the first Black head coach not only in NBA history but also in the history of United States professional team sports, period.

"I remember at the press conference, probably the second or third question one of the Boston reporters asked me, 'Can you coach the white guys without being prejudiced?'" he recounted to the New York Times' George Vecsey in 2011 about being appointed head coach of the Celtics in 1966. "Now, I didn't recall anybody asking a white coach if he could coach the black guys without being prejudiced. All I said was, 'Yeah.'"

His basketball resume and work in the civil rights movement earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, as awarded by President Barack Obama.

"Bill Russell, the man, is someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men," President Obama said at that ceremony. "He marched with [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.]. He stood by [Muhammad] Ali. When a restaurant refused to serve the Black Celtics, he refused to play in the scheduled game. He endured insults and vandalism, but he kept on focusing on making the teammates who he loved better players and made possible the success of so many who would follow."

At a time when so many people actively rooted for him to fail, he not only stood firmly for what he believed in but also won more titles than all but two NBA franchises (the Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers).

There simply was no stopping Bill Russell.

The Charlotte Hornets are "considering" a reunion with Kemba Walker and have also discussed re-signing Isaiah Thomas, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic:

Hornets considering reunion with a former franchise cornerstone, among free-agent options, sources say: pic.twitter.com/mvjS1PlkTJ

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 25, 2022

Charlotte is seeking depth at point guard and could add one of the veteran options that has familiarity with the franchise.

Thomas finished last season with the Hornets, appearing in 17 games while averaging 8.3 points in just 12.9 minutes per game.

Walker began his career in Charlotte, playing eight seasons while earning three of his four All-Star selections. He averaged 25.6 points and 5.9 assists per game in his final season with the Hornets in 2018-19 before signing with the Boston Celtics in free agency.

Despite producing quality numbers over two years with the Celtics (19.9 PPG, 4.8 APG), injuries were a major story for Walker, and he was traded and waived last offseason before landing with the New York Knicks. That preceded a dreadful season where he averaged 11.6 points and 3.5 assists per game, both career lows.

The Knicks needed to send first-round pick Jalen Duren to the Detroit Pistons just to get out of Walker's contract.

After agreeing to a buyout with Detroit, the 32-year-old could get another chance with the team that drafted him.

Thomas, 33, has been on the move even more in recent years, appearing for seven different organizations in the last five seasons. He's played just 109 games since he joined the Denver Nuggets in 2018-19 and has struggled to secure a spot in any rotation since then.

The two-time All-Star could still be an option for Charlotte after he "emerged as a positive locker-room leader" last year, per Charania.

LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier are the team's top options in the backcourt, and James Bouknight can provide depth, but another veteran presence could be valuable on the young roster.

Thomas reached double figures in seven of his 17 games with the Hornets, all off the bench, which could help the team get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Charlotte Hornets restricted free agent Miles Bridges pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a felony charge of injuring a child’s parent and two felony counts of child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death, according to Roderick Boone and Michael Gordon of the Charlotte Observer.

Bridges was arrested in Los Angeles on June 29 and accused of assaulting his girlfriend in front of their two children.

The woman who said Bridges assaulted her shared pictures of injuries in a social media post and a copy of her medical report, which stated she was the "adult victim of physical abuse by male partner" and had suffered "assault by strangulation; brain concussion; closed fracture of nasal bone; contusion of rib; multiple bruises; strain of neck muscle."

In a since-deleted post, she wrote: "I hate that it has come to this but I can't be silent anymore. I've allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life. I have nothing to prove to the world, but I won't allow anyone who could do something so horrible to have no remorse and paint a picture of something I'm not."

The woman also said the alleged abuse happened in front of their children.

"Children who witness family violence are especially vulnerable and the impact on them is immeasurable," Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon said. "Mr. Bridges will be held accountable for his actions."

Bridges, 24, was one of the top restricted free agents in the NBA heading into the offseason and was given the $7.9 million qualifying offer from the Hornets, which can't be rescinded since the July 13 deadline to do so has passed.

Both the team and Bridges would have to agree to waive it.

"We are aware of the charges that were filed today against Miles Bridges," the Hornets said in a statement Tuesday after Bridges was officially charged. "These are very serious charges that we will continue to monitor. As this is a legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time."

Warning: Article contains graphic allegations of domestic violence.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon has announced charges against NBA forward Miles Bridges, who was previously arrested for felony domestic violence June 29 after an alleged physical altercation with his wife, Mychelle Johnson.

Specifically, Bridges has been charged with "one felony count of injuring a child's parent and two felony counts of child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death," per Gascon's statement. He was released on $130,000 bond after his arrest.

"Domestic violence creates physical, mental and emotional trauma that has a lasting impact on survivors," Gascon said.

"Children who witness family violence are especially vulnerable and the impact on them is immeasurable. Mr. Bridges will be held accountable for his actions and our Bureau of Victim Services will support the survivors through this difficult process."

Johnson provided multiple images in a since-deleted Instagram post that showed bruises on her body as well as hospital paperwork that outlined injuries including a concussion, fracture of the nasal bone, rib contusion, neck muscle strain and bruises.

Johnson's full comments were posted alongside a video of their son saying "daddy choked mommy."

Jelani Scott of Sports Illustrated provided the transcript:

"I hate that it has come to this but I can't be silent anymore. I've allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life. I have nothing to prove to the world, but I won't allow anyone who could do something so horrible to have no remorse and paint a picture of something I'm not. I won't allow the people around him to continue to silence me and continue to lie to protect this person. It's unethical, it's immoral, it's truly SICK. It hurts my heart because I've always had hope, and so much love and as scary as this is for me to do it's time I stand up for myself. I won't be silent to protect others anymore because I value myself and my kids more than anyone's 'image.'

"A fracture nose, wrist, torn eardrum, torn muscles in my neck from being choked until I went to sleep and a severe concussion. I don't need sympathy, I just don't want this happening to anyone else, I just want this person to get help, my kids deserve better. That's all i want. It hurts, everything hurts, this situation hurts, most importantly I'm scared and hurting for my kids who were witness to everything. Please respect my families privacy and stop with the disgusting rumors and allegations."

Per TMZ Sports, Johnson told law enforcement that she and Bridges got into an argument on June 28 that turned physical. Bridges left the area on that day but turned himself in to authorities June 29.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday.

Bridges played the first four seasons of his career with the Charlotte Hornets, who released a statement after news of his arrest.

“The Charlotte Hornets are aware of the situation involving Miles Bridges," the statement read. "We are in the process of gathering additional information. We will have no further comment at this time."

The Hornets also released a statement after Gascon announced the charges:

Hornets statement on Miles Bridges pic.twitter.com/mMKxYg8jky

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 20, 2022

Charlotte extended a qualifying offer to Bridges, a restricted free agent, in late June before news of the arrest broke. Per longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Hornets did not pull that offer before the July 13 deadline.

LiAngelo Ball is back in the NBA, at least for the summer.

The brother of LaMelo Ball and Lonzo Ball was announced as part of the Charlotte Hornets' NBA Summer League roster on Friday. It will be his second straight year suiting up for the Hornets in summer-league action.

Introducing the NBA 2K23 Summer League Roster.

📝: https://t.co/cI39wFt9qK pic.twitter.com/rwVo4e0bTt

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 1, 2022

Ball has not had the standout career that both of his brothers—Hornets star LaMelo Ball and Chicago Bulls veteran Lonzo Ball—have had.

Ball played high school basketball in Chino Hills, California, before committing to play college basketball at UCLA. However, he left UCLA during his freshman season in 2017 after he and two of his teammates were arrested on shoplifting charges in China and suspended.

The 23-year-old went on to play for Prienai Vytautas of the Lithuanian Basketball League and the Los Angeles Ballers of the Junior Basketball League in 2018 before declaring for the NBA draft in March 2018.

Ball went undrafted but returned to play professionally for the Hornets during last year's summer league. He then declared for the G League draft and was selected by the Greensboro Swarm, the Hornets affiliate.

In 28 regular-season games with the Swarm, Ball averaged 4.6 points and 1.1 rebounds while shooting 39.5 percent from the floor and 35.7 percent from deep. He averaged 13.2 minutes per game.

Returning to the NBA Summer League allows Ball to continue working on his game with a Charlotte organization that clearly believes in his abilities. That said, the Hornets will likely be more focused on the development of Kai Jones, the 19th overall pick in the 2021 draft, and Mark Williams, the 15th overall pick in the 2022 draft.

The Hornets open up summer-league action with a matchup against the Indiana Pacers on July 8.

Warning: article contains graphic allegations of domestic violence.

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Mychelle Johnson detailed allegations against her husband, Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges, who was charged with felony domestic violence following his arrest earlier this week, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Johnson posted several photos of bruises on her body on Instagram on Thursday night, along with hospital discharge paperwork that showed her injuries included a concussion, fracture of the nasal bone, rib contusion, neck muscle strain and bruises.

She also included a video of her son saying, "Daddy choked Mommy."

Here are the full comments Johnson posted alongside the pictures:

I hate that it has come to this but I can't be silent anymore. I've allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life. I have nothing to prove to the world, but I won't allow anyone who could do something so horrible to have no remorse and paint a picture of something I'm not. I won't allow the people around him to continue to silence me and continue to lie to protect this person. It's unethical, it's immoral, it's truly SICK. It hurts my heart because I've always had hope, and so much love and as scary as this is for me to do it's time I stand up for myself. I won't be silent to protect others anymore because I value myself and my kids more than anyone's 'image.'

A fracture nose, wrist, torn eardrum, torn muscles in my neck from being choked until I went to sleep and a severe concussion. I don't need sympathy, I just don't want this happening to anyone else, I just want this person to get help, my kids deserve better. That's all i want. It hurts, everything hurts, this situation hurts, most importantly I'm scared and hurting for my kids who were witness to everything. Please respect my families privacy and stop with the disgusting rumors and allegations.

TMZ Sports reported Bridges was arrested and booked after a woman called police on Tuesday saying they had an argument that turned physical. He fled the area before police arrived but turned himself in on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to ESPN that Bridges was released after posting $130,000 bond. His first court date is scheduled for July 20.

Bridges hasn't commented on the allegations, but he was shown on video going through a basketball workout on Thursday, per TMZ.

The 24-year-old Michigan native is a restricted free agent after being extended a qualifying offer by the Hornets before the start of NBA free agency.

Charlotte released a statement Wednesday following Bridges' arrest:

The Charlotte Hornets released the following statement regarding Miles Bridges. pic.twitter.com/D0qBzVKQQ3

— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) June 30, 2022

Bridges, who played college basketball at Michigan State, has spent his first four NBA seasons with the Hornets after being selected in the first round of the 2018 draft.

During his time in Charlotte, Bridges has played in 291 games and averaged 13.4 points per outing. In 2021-22, he averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game.