This big-time trade benefits both the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers
By Joe Lyon
A recent draft bust with new opportunity
The Hornets traded up to get Kai Jones in the 2021 draft, but since then, he has largely disappointed. He has been unable to get and stay on the floor and doesn’t look the part of a starting power forward in the league. Given that the Hornets have a bit of a backup at the foward position, they may be willing to part ways for a piece where the Pacers are backed up: center.
The premise of this trade is simple. Kai Jones is sitting the bench behind too many power forwards. Goga is sitting the bench behind too many centers. Perhaps on new teams they would both get new opportunities, something that Goga never really has had here in Indy. Moving to the Hornets behind Mason Plumlee might give Goga the perfect opportunity to compete for a starting role.