NBA Insider Reveals Why Charlotte Declined To Trade Back

The Hornets were reportedly in trade discussions with both Memphis (#9) and Portland (#7)

Jeff Peterson Addresses The Media /

Fans following the draft on social media were confused when it seemed like the Hornets were about to trade their #6 pick for the #9 pick with the Memphis Grizzlies. Yahoo! Sports' Jake Fischer reported that the Hornets had agreed to the trade, but then rolled it back only minutes later.

Jake Fischer Trade Back /

Following the draft, Fischer revealed the reason why the Hornets decided against trading back.

The Hornets discussed trading down from that No. 6 slot with both Portland and Memphis, sources said, as Charlotte was on the clock. The Trail Blazers seemed to have been the Hornets’ preferred partner, as a good portion of league executives believed San Antonio was targeting 6-foot-9 forward Tidjane Salaun at No. 8. The French prospect shares an agent with Spurs centerpiece Victor Wembanyama, and Memphis’ No. 9 pick would have been a risk Charlotte didn’t ultimately feel was worth rolling the dice over. So the Hornets got their guy in Salaun, and then Portland got Clingan.

- Jake Fischer - Yahoo! Sports

It was clear from Jeff Peterson's post-draft press conference the Hornets had zeroed in on Salaun days before the draft and he was "Their guy". Once Salaun wasn't available at #8, they pivoted and traded the pick (Rob Dillingham) to the Timberwolves.