On this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker and Doug break down the stunning trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando for a massive haul — four unprotected first-round picks and a swap. Is this just the going rate for fringe stars now? And what does it mean for the Charlotte Hornets, a team still searching for an identity and direction? The guys discuss whether the Hornets could or should have made a similar offer and what kind of risk is actually worth taking at this stage of the rebuild.

They also get into the shifting 2025 NBA Draft landscape, including a revealing report by Jeremias Engelmann casting serious doubt on Tre Johnson's defensive commitment and statistical indicators. Could Johnson really be this year’s biggest bust? With VJ Edgecombe’s stock possibly rising to No. 3, and whispers of Kon Kneuppel gaining steam, the Hornets’ board could look a lot different in the final weeks before the draft.

Englemann article: https://www.roycewebb.com/p/the-case-against-tre-johnson-why

Plus: how playoff defense is shaping draft philosophy, why Walker is sick (literally and metaphorically) over the Hornets’ options at 4, and a quick rundown of two new mock drafts with surprising scenarios.

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Top 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchise

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

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