As Summer League tips off, we're looking back at the Charlotte Hornets’ pivotal offseason. From shrewd veteran trades to a draft that may define the franchise’s future, we rank the best and worst moves—starting with a clear winner: the Collin Sexton trade. Doug argues that Sexton gives Charlotte a legitimate scoring punch, bench stability, and signals a new level of seriousness in team-building.

But is the entire draft class, from Kon Knueppel to Ryan Kalkbrenner, actually the true crown jewel? Walker thinks so—and praises the front office for locking down four competitive prospects on real contracts. Plus, Tre Mann returns on a team-friendly deal, and we explain why that move may quietly prove brilliant.

Then, we dig into the worst move. Is Mason Plumlee's $3M contract harmless veteran insurance—or a regressive roster clog? And did the Hornets waste their late first-rounder on Liam McNeely instead of shoring up their big rotation with Maxime Raynaud or Noah Penda?

Finally, we preview Summer League standouts—why all eyes are on Kon Knueppel, and whether any Hornets fans are feeling Ace Bailey envy.
Don't miss this jam-packed episode of Locked On Hornets.

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornets

Become an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornets

Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

Get Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.com

Get more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FM

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

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

Locked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornets

Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl

Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

OLIPOP

Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you.

CarGurus

Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal.

WayFair

Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)