Hornets’ summer trade talk: Who could leave besides Bridges?

The Hornets face a tough choice this offseason. Miles Bridges is out of the question—everyone knows he’s the top trade piece. But who else could be moved to reshape the team? Three different voices in basketball circles have different answers. First up is a big man who might surprise fans. Ryan Kalkbrenner fits a specific role in Charlotte’s plans. The Hornets want a stronger center, so moving Diabaté isn’t an option. That leaves Kalkbrenner as the odd one out in the big-man rotation. He showed promise as a rookie and even started a few games. If the team lands another center, Kalkbrenner becomes the third wheel. Teams always need 7-footers, and he could fetch a solid return in a trade.Then there’s a young wing who’s been effective but might not fit the long-term vision. Josh Green shined off the bench last season, posting one of the team’s best net ratings. But with expiring contracts coming up, he could be the easiest to move. Green plays solid defense, though not at an elite level. The Hornets might prefer Grant Williams for interior defense instead. Trading Green isn’t ideal, but it’s the smartest move for Charlotte’s future. Finally, a rookie with untapped potential could be the most intriguing option. Liam McNeeley, a first-round pick last year, showed flashes in Greensboro and Charlotte. His path to playing time isn’t clear yet. The Hornets are adding more physical players and have two more high draft picks coming. McNeeley might end up buried on the bench. If a rebuilding team offers value, trading him now makes sense. Tre Mann is often mentioned, but his trade value isn’t high after a rough season.