NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Charlotte Hornets

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 6: Treveon Graham #21 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 6, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 14: Davis Bertans #42 of the San Antonio Spurs grabs the rebound against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Davis Bertans

Davis Bertans would require a little bit of creativity for the Hornets to end up seeing as an option. The Spurs would have to elect not to extend a qualifying offer, which, while it could happen since they have two other restricted free agents (Kyle Anderson and Bryn Forbes), and up to three core veteran free agents that they might want to retain (Danny Green, Tony Parker, and Rudy Gay), isn’t guaranteed. Then, the mid-level exception options around the league would have to dry up, which is only possible because that’s the only mechanism by which a lot of teams can add free agents this offseason. Then he would have to choose the Hornets as his landing spot for the minimum deal that he ends up signing. The biggest reason this might happen is a connection with Coach Borrego. But overall, even getting the option to sign Bertans is a stretch.

But if the Hornets should manage to pull it off, the dividends could be huge. Bertans, who is primarily a shooter, is one of the youngest options available to them, and if the Hornets were to sign him to a one-year deal, he would be a restricted free agent yet again in the 2019 offseason. The Hornets could then use their right of first refusal to sign him to a longer term deal. Getting a young shooter of his caliber (This was his age-25 season) with low mileage on his body is already a win for the Hornets. The fact that he fits in positionally at the backup 4 as a guy who can successfully navigate perimeter defense in a way Frank Kaminsky has struggled to makes him even more appealing.

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