Hornets Receiving Trade Calls About The No. 4 Pick, Per Report
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Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 9:20 PM ET
With Rutgers star Ace Bailey projected to take a tumble, a few NBA teams are looking to make an aggressive move up the draft board on Wednesday night. According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, "There's a lot of talk out there that there are teams looking to move up, possibly to No. 4 with Charlotte."
Hornets executive vice president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson told Givony the team is open to dealing the pick for the right offer, but could keep the selection and take Bailey themselves.
"What happens with Ace Bailey? There's a lot of talk out there that there are teams looking to move up, possibly to 4 with Charlotte" - @DraftExpress pic.twitter.com/UE8Feytw7o
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 25, 2025
Bailey has been tough to read in the pre-draft process. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 17.6 points on 46 percent shooting as a freshman with the Scarlet Knights. But also canceled workouts with select teams.
The Hornets could use a star like Bailey, but a few factors suggest he'll likely be skipped or dealt by the team. Several insiders say Duke's Kon Knueppel will be staying in the Tar Heel State.
As for Bailey, he'll only have so much leverage in this situation. Especially, when he's seemingly trying to have a preferred NBA destination.
The 2025 NBA Draft begins Wednesday in Brooklyn, New York (8 p.m. ET on ABC).
