Pacers, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz Linked To Jalen McDaniels

Jalen McDaniels, Charlotte Hornets, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Charlotte Hornets have struggled mightily this season. Even after winning two games in a row, they own one of the worst records in the league at 15-36. With their sights set on Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft, the team will likely be open for business ahead of the trade deadline.

Veterans on expiring contracts, such as Kelly Oubre Jr. and Mason Plumlee, could be on the move in exchange for some assets. Looking to clear some long-term money, Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward are two players the front office would likely love to move on from.

But, the player who is garnering the most attention on the team is arguably Jalen McDaniels. The San Diego State product is in his fourth season in the NBA and is really coming into his own as the Hornets have done a wonderful job developing him.

McDaniels is a key member of the Hornets’ rotation, but as he readies for unrestricted free agency in the summer, Charlotte is fielding trade calls on him. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, five teams have already been in contact about his availability, including the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, and San Antonio Spurs.

Forward Jalen McDaniels continues to be a name several teams like the Suns, Raptors, Jazz, Pacers and Spurs are closely monitoring, but the Hornets value the 6-foot-9 forward whom they have developed over the past four seasons. Teams with interest and cap space this offseason, such as the Jazz, Pacers and Spurs, may opt to wait until free agency to court McDaniels, who will be unrestricted, instead of trading an asset to acquire him now while having to compensate him in July.

The Phoenix Suns have been on the lookout for an upgrade to their frontcourt all season and McDaniels would be a nice replacement for what they have lost in Jae Crowder holding out.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen McDaniels, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns & San Antonio Spurs Updates

If they are willing to include one future first-round pick, that could be enough to pry McDaniel away from Charlotte, as there is no guarantee he will re-sign with the franchise.

Standing 6’9” with a wingspan over 7 feet, McDaniels would be a perfect fit for the scheme that Nick Nurse is deploying north of the border with the Toronto Raptors. However, given some of their long-term money concerns, it would be surprising if they acquired an impending free agent that will be looking to cash in this summer.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen McDaniels, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns & San Antonio Spurs Updates

The Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs are all at varying points of their rebuild. Set to turn 25 this week, Jalen McDaniels would still fit their timelines and make for an intriguing offseason target.

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