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While it's still very early in his tenure as the Charlotte Hornets' key decision-maker, Jeff Peterson may have shown his hand a year ago when he elected to take a shot on the youngest player in the draft, Tidjane Salaün.
The pick screamed long-term vision, even though the class as a whole wasn't very intriguing. Salaün is a multi-year project, and the front office knew that when they turned the card in. Now, you could make the argument that if there was a year to "roll the dice" on a raw player with upside, that was the year to do it. However, none of what Peterson has done gives the notion that they're ready to win now and make significant changes to the roster.
In some ways, I understand the hesitancy.
Each member of Charlotte's core - LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams - has missed significant time early in their careers. You don't want to invest heavily in a group that can't stay on the floor. At the same time, though, you have to make some moves to even give that group a chance to compete.
As I highlighted yesterday, trading Miles Bridges now makes a lot of sense and for a variety of reasons. The problem? It probably won't happen. He's been the one guy Charlotte can count on to be available every night, and in addition to that, he's been very consistent and carries a heavy workload.
Having guys like Seth Curry and Taj Gibson on the roster helps, but the veterans they bring in need to contribute more off the bench. I don't see Gibson returning, but Seth? The hometown kid? Yeah, there's a good chance he'll be back, so not much change there on the veteran front.
The area where the Hornets could use the most help is their bench options at the two through four spots on the floor. Instead of continuing to rotate in low-risk, low-ceiling players like Damion Baugh, Wendell Moore Jr, DaQuan Jeffries, Tidjane Salaün, and so on, Peterson could reload the bench with a Bridges trade or sign some guys in free agency. The problem here? Charlotte doesn't have the money to spend to land anything of significance. At least not at the moment.
So, what this boils down to is the Hornets depending on the fourth overall pick in the draft, the possible re-signing of Tre Mann, and whatever they get back in a Mark Williams trade, assuming they attempt to move him again. That's probably it this offseason for Charlotte, and trading Williams is not a guarantee to happen.
I've said for a while now, the Hornets are probably going to "stand pat" for the most part until the 2026-27 season, when they have the new practice facility to show off to free agent targets, and it gives LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller time to develop and become a prolific one-two punch.
Another quiet offseason in Charlotte? You bet.
- MORE STORIES FROM HORNETS ON SI -
A big decision looms, and the Hornets 'can't afford' to fail in the 2025 NBA Draft
The Hornets draft goal has everything to do with LaMelo Ball, analyst claims
Lessons learned from LaMelo Ball's worst game as a Charlotte Hornet
It’s time: Why the Hornets should cash in on a Miles Bridges trade while they can
More must-reads:
- Report: Teams reluctant to discuss key offseason move with Bulls
- Warriors 'unlikely' to pivot from Jonathan Kuminga this summer
- The 'NBA minutes leaders by season' quiz
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Veteran center listed as Knicks target for veteran’s minimum
The New York Knicks are likely to add a player in the backcourt with a veteran’s minimum contract. A few names that they have been linked to include Ben Simmons, Russell Westbrook, and Landry Shamet. Knicks could target Thomas Bryant for the last roster spot However, they could pivot towards frontcourt insurance for that last roster spot. SNY’s David Vertsberger listed veteran big man Thomas Bryant as a potential free agent target that the Knicks could pursue. “One position the Knicks may want to heavily consider using this spot for is the center spot. Their current rotation is made up of Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, and if they start the double-big lineup, this essentially leaves them one backup five to start the year,” Vertsberger wrote. “They have interesting alternative options at the center like sliding newly-signed Guerschon Yabusele down a position or playing OG Anunoby there, and can always move Robinson back to the bench. However, signing a depth piece at the position like Thomas Bryant gives them more security in case injuries hit.” Bryant was in and out of the Indiana Pacers rotation last season, but he showed a capability to step up in the biggest moments. He played a crucial part in the Pacers’ Game 6 series-clinching win over New York in the Eastern Conference Finals, as he scored 11 points and knocked down three threes. Bryant could be a solid depth addition The 28-year-old started last season with the Miami Heat before being picked up by the Pacers. In 66 total games last season, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds. While Bryant likely wouldn’t play many significant minutes on the Knicks, he would be a solid third-string option at the position if an injury takes out one of their main centers. Towns, Robinson, and Hukporti all dealt with injuries last season, and the Knicks don’t want to find themselves in a position where they are without a center. If their backcourt targets end up signing elsewhere, Bryant could be a solid fallback option at a cheap price and still provide an impact should his name get called.
A Hidden Prospect Could Open Big Trade Doors for the Oilers
With a stacked blue line and limited roster spots, Edmonton could turn one of its top young, somewhat undiscovered, defensemen into a key bargaining chip when the trade deadline approaches. That prospect is Beau Akey, and he’s looking to make a name for himself this season. The Oilers have a luxury most teams can’t claim — a veteran-heavy, Cup-contending blue line. But that depth also potentially blocks the path for Akey, who is one of their most intriguing young defense prospects. Akey is coming off a strong bounce-back season in junior after double shoulder surgery. A full season of good health could do wonders for his reputation as someone who has a bright future. Last year with the OHL’s Barrie Colts, he posted 32 points in 52 games, added five assists in the playoffs, and wore a leadership role. Known for his elite skating and crisp passing, he’s now set to make the leap to pro hockey in Bakersfield (AHL). “I’m 100 percent now,” Akey said during camp. “I’m looking to make the step to professional hockey (this season), so I’m looking to show the Oilers that at training camp. I want to give my all to try and make the Oilers and try to prove to them I can make an NHL roster.” Oilers development staff already love his mobility and offensive instincts, but they want him to sharpen the defensive side of his game. In the meantime, he’s a premium asset waiting in the wings — a 20-year-old right-shot defenseman with top-four potential. The Oilers know he can be a future impact player for them. That means he can also be an impact player for someone else. Edmonton won’t be looking to move the youngster. That said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he pops up on radars around the league. Oilers senior director of player development Kalle Larsson said, “A healthy Beau Akey is an elite skater, he can break the puck out well and he has offense.” He added, “I think in pro, he’ll be a two-way defenseman that will need to be more reliable defensively.” Akey Will Be a Trade Piece that Other Teams Look At For a team chasing a Stanley Cup, players like this are gold. They can grow into future cornerstones or become the centerpiece of a trade for immediate help. If Edmonton needs a deadline boost — be it a depth scorer, penalty-kill specialist, or injury insurance — Akey could headline a package that draws serious interest from rebuilding teams or clubs on a timeline where they’ll be contenders in two or three seasons. The Oilers will decide later whether to keep him for the long haul or flip him for a win-now piece. Either way, they’re holding a hidden card that could make all the difference come spring.
Steelers Rookie Kaleb Johnson Gets Very Honest Rating In First Game Against Jacksonville
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson comes to the Steel City after a tremendous career at Iowa, where he routinely faced stacked defensive fronts and still found ways to excel. The Steelers clearly believe he has the physicality, vision, and work ethic to contribute right away, especially in an offense that prides itself on a strong running game. In the Steelers’ first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh came away with a 31-25 victory. Johnson saw limited but notable action, carrying the football eight times for 20 yards and catching one pass for six yards. While his stat line didn’t jump off the page, his debut provided the coaching staff with an initial look at how he adjusts to NFL speed and physicality. Following the game, former Steelers two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Hoke appeared on the KDKA Nightly Sports Call to give his honest assessment of Johnson’s first NFL outing. Hoke noted that while Johnson showed flashes of his college toughness, he still needs to work on reading NFL-level defenses and hitting the hole with more urgency. He emphasized that preseason is about learning and adapting, and that Johnson has the tools to grow into a productive player for Pittsburgh if he embraces the grind. "On the one sack earlier in the game, Mason [Rudolph] wanted to check it down to him and he stayed in to protect," Hoke said Saturday on the KDKA Nightly Sports Call. "There's been a lot of talk about, 'Can Kaleb Johnson protect?' That's a big part of why he needs to be out there getting these reps, because he needs to protect Aaron Rodgers in the regular season. He stayed in there too long, didn't leak out for the safety valve, but Kaleb Johnson broke tackles." Hoke, as a whole, sounded very pleased with what he saw from Johnson. While the stats were not impressive, the eye test revealed Johnson’s burst and vision. Perhaps his best moment came when he planted Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter into the turf. Hoke acknowledged that Johnson still has plenty to work on but expressed confidence that he can get there. "A lot of times when you are a running back and you get to a hole, you are going to have a guy there," Hoke continued. "You've got to make the first guy miss. He stiffed-arm, he got outside, got some positive yardage when a lot of times we saw last year running backs were going down on contact at the first guy. So, I really like what I see from Kaleb Johnson." The Steelers’ running back room looks noticeably different heading into the 2025 season. Like several other key positions on the roster, it underwent a complete overhaul. Pittsburgh will open the year with a one-two punch of Jaylen Warren and Johnson, though many analysts believe Johnson could begin stealing carries from Warren as the season progresses and eventually emerge as the lead back. Steelers Could Have A Punishing Rushing Attack In addition to Warren and Johnson, the Steelers added veteran running back Kenneth Gainwell in the offseason. Fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gainwell brings playoff experience and versatility to the group. Together, this trio will be the foundation that Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and Head Coach Mike Tomlin lean on to power the offense. If the Steelers are serious about being legitimate contenders in 2025, their ground game will need to set the tone early and often. With Smith’s physical, run-first philosophy and a backfield that blends youth, experience, and explosiveness, Pittsburgh has the pieces to build one of the most punishing rushing attacks in the league.
Leafs’ Proposed Blockbuster Trade Could Jeopardize Future
A recent trade pitch suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell from the Pittsburgh Penguins is undeniably a bold and wild idea. With that in mind, it’s not the kind of trade that makes a ton of sense for Toronto, even if both players are legitimate goal scorers — especially considering what Toronto would have to give up to acquire both players. The likelihood that the Maple Leafs are seeking a trade for both wingers is low to begin with. That they’d be willing to part with a new trade acquisition, one of their more steady defensemen, a high-ceiling winger, and the team’s top prospect is an even more fascinating suggestion. Toronto Isn’t About To Abandon Their Game Plan The suggested trade was as follows: Maple Leafs Acquire: Bryan Rust ($5,125,000) Rickard Rakell ($5,000,000) Penguins Acquire: Nick Robertson ($1,825,000) Jake McCabe ($4,491,898) Matias Maccelli ($3,425,000) Easton Cowan ($873,500) While Rust and Rakell bring impressive goal-scoring credentials — combining for 66 goals last season — the Leafs have just added Matias Maccelli, a promising winger signed to what they hope is a value contract this offseason. On top of that, they’ve invested heavily in Jake McCabe on defense and have Easton Cowan, arguably their best prospect, waiting in the wings. Nick Robertson may be on the move, so his inclusion makes sense, but there’s been no suggestion, whatsoever, that the Leafs are open to moving any of the other three. No doubt, you have to give to get. That said, trading away these useful, cost-controlled assets for veterans like Rust and Rakell seems like a shortsighted mistake. Maccelli’s acquisition signals the Leafs are looking to build with youth, speed, and skill, while McCabe provides a steady defensive presence — something the Maple Leafs desperately need to maintain. Easton Cowan, meanwhile, presents arguably the best future replacement for the offensive output lost with Mitch Marner’s departure. Is There A World In Which Toronto Would Consider This Blockbuster Trade? Never say never. There is no doubt this would be a big swing by Toronto. And, it would add goal scoring in a significant way. That said, given the current roster construction, why would Toronto create obvious holes on their blue line, in the system, and move a player they believe could be a key offensive contributor in Maccelli? This would be GM Brad Treliving mortgaging everything on two Penguins players, who reportedly don’t want to go anywhere — one of whom has an eight-team no-trade clause. This trade screams 2025-25 Cup run, and an attempt to outscore other problems in the present day. Ultimately, this proposed trade serves as an interesting talking point, but it doesn’t quite pass the smell test for a Leafs team focused on a blend of youth and experience heading into the new season.
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