The Hornets traded Gordon Hayward to OKC in exchange for Tre Mann. The Charlotte-based franchise also waived several players from the roster to create much-needed space. With the trade deadline closed and all deals confirmed, teams can now proceed with their squads for the rest of the season.
While some have pursued a drastic change in fortunes, others have focused on building for the future. OKC and the Hornets both fall into the latter category, albeit for very different reasons.
Hornets waived James Bouknight, Ish Smith and Frank Ntilikina
The Charlotte Hornets have announced that they have waived their guards James Bouknight, Ish Smith and Frank Ntilikina. James Bouknight, drafted in 2021 by the franchise could not leave a mark in his three seasons. His average this season is 3.6 points, 0.6 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 14 games playing 5.8 minutes per game.
Ish Smith, the NBA Championship winner with the Nuggets last season, was signed as a free agent by the Hornets in late October 2023. Being in the starting line for 5 games he could manage an average of 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 43 games. Ntilikina also joined as a free agent in August 2023. In the 5 games he played, he averaged 1.0 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 8.6 minutes per game.
OFFICIAL: We have waived guard James Bouknight, guard Frank Ntilikina, and guard Ish Smith.
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 9, 2024
Read Full Release: https://t.co/5m9MVLvkbf pic.twitter.com/12DC1r5n7a
What does Tre Mann bring to the Hornets?
Tre Mann was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021 and has since developed his skills under the championship-winning team. Despite working on his abilities and showcasing his worth in the early days, he received limited on-court time to enhance the overall team performance. In the current season, he played in 13 games, averaging 3.8 points and 1.5 assists in 9.2 minutes per game.
Tre Mann (@tre2mann3) will wear No. 23 for the #Hornets. Number last worn Kai Jones in 2023. #NBA pic.twitter.com/yRIDCPYzGb
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) February 9, 2024
With the level of diligence and integrity disclosed by his teammates, Tre Mann has the potential to bring about a positive change in his current team, the Charlotte Hornets. With Gordon Hayward going the other way, this team switch could prove to be a significant opportunity for the point guard.
His ball-handling skills and scoring ability could earn him more playing time, not only aiding in the smooth running of the offense but also affording him the chance to contribute to building a stronger team for the future. After the trade was confirmed, he expressed his affection for his former team on X (formerly Twitter) by writing, “OKC it’s forever love!!”
OKC it’s forever love!! 💙
— Tre Mann (@tre2mann3) February 8, 2024
The Hornets are currently on the 13th position in the Eastern Conference and are in dire need for a player who can help them climb up the table this season and in the future.
