This Hornets-Pacers trade proposal swaps two intriguing veterans

One NBA writer is proposing that the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets make a trade on around TJ McConnell and Cody Martin. Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed that the Pacers trade McConnell to the Hornets for Martin.

“Indiana has virtually no use for McConnell with Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Bruce Brown and Andrew Nembhard all in the fold,” Favale wrote. “Martin is coming off a down year amid knee and ankle issues, but he’s the NBA’s version of a five-tool player—someone who can be moved up and down the functional spectrum at both ends of the floor.”

McConnell averaged 8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists for the Pacers last season in 75 games. He shot 54.3% from the field, 44.1% from beyond the arc and 85.3% from the free-throw line. The Pittsburgh native signed a four-year, $33.6 million contract with the Pacers in August 2021. He’ll make $8.7 million next season.

Meanwhile, Martin appeared in only seven games for the Hornets last season due to knee and ankle issues. He averaged 5.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 38.9% overall, 21.4% from 3 and 57.1% from the free-throw line. The 27-year-old signed a four-year, $31.4 million deal with the Hornets in July 2022. He’ll make $7.6 million next season.

Neither the Pacers nor the Hornets made the 2023 playoffs. This trade Favale came up with isn’t splashy at all, but it could benefit both teams. The Pacers would be getting more length at the small forward spot in Martin, while the Hornets would receive a veteran ball-handler in McConnell.

“For now, Charlotte is better off upgrading its second-unit ball-handling and playmaking,” Favale wrote. “Dennis Smith Jr. shuffled off to Brooklyn, and staggering Terry Rozier to use him as a primary setup man stretches his skill set too far. Martin can capably handle some of those reps. McConnell can handle even more of them. The Hornets lose a little theoretical spacing, but they juice their decision-making and defensive ball pressure.”

The Hornets drafted Brandon Miller with the second overall pick in the 2023 draft, so Martin is expendable now. Meanwhile, the Pacers signed Bruce Brown, who plays the same position as McConnell.