BOSTON — As someone who’s been employed in the NBA for a long time, Steve Clifford has witnessed more than his share of wackiness and unique moments.
But during his two-plus decades, there’s one thing the Charlotte Hornets coach hasn’t observed: a player getting yanked from the court hours before the league’s annual trade deadline arrives.
“I’m trying to think,” Clifford said. “I’ve been through a couple of crazy (ones), but not as a head coach and not off practice.”
Clifford nearly had to break out the imaginary hook Thursday afternoon, though.
Mere minutes after the Hornets wrapped up their session at TD Garden in advance of Friday’s matchup with Boston, Charlotte began shaking up its roster by trading Jalen McDaniels to Philadelphia as part of a multi-team deal with Portland, according to league sources.
About two hours later, the Hornets shipped Mason Plumlee to the Los Angeles Clippers for Reggie Jackson, the Clippers’ 2028 second-round pick and cash considerations, according to a league source.
In the deal sending McDaniels to the 76ers, Charlotte received Svi Mykhailiuk from Portland along with a pair of second-round picks. The Trail Blazers gained Matisse Thybulle from the 76ers. The Hornets also acquired Philadelphia’s 2023 second-round pick, which originally belonged to Charlotte, and a 2027 second-round selection from Portland. It will be whichever is the better of the second-rounders involving the Trail Blazers or New Orleans Pelicans.
McDaniels is stunned he’s on the move.
“I had no idea,” the fourth-year pro said. “My agent was calling me. Honestly, I didn’t even think I was going to get traded. I thought he was calling me about some stuff we’ll just be talking about. And then he was like, ‘Oh, this is what it is. Oh, you’re going to Philly now.’ And I’m like, ‘Right now?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, right now.’ I’m like, ‘No, I’m not.’
“Then the homies started looking at me on the bus and I’m like, ‘Oh, yeah I’m definitely getting traded. It’s real.”
That’s the business side of the league, something McDaniels is experiencing in a way he never anticipated. The Hornets are all he knows and the personal bonds he’s fostered can’t be replaced, which leaves him emotional as he forced to say goodbye.
McDaniels appeared in 56 games for the Hornets this season, starting in 21, and averaged 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and two assists – all career bests. He was a versatile piece, frequently filling in at small forward and power forward, too. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, which made him expendable.
“It’s definitely heartbreaking,” McDaniels said, “just because I came in with a lot of guys I’ve built relationships with, literally see them every day. Summer, I’m kicking it with them. So, it’s kind of … It’s sad for real. I’m not going to lie to you. But it’s a new beginning and I’ve just got to look forward to the future.”
Plumlee is in the midst of one of his best seasons and will be an unrestricted free agent in a few months, giving him value the Hornets had to take advantage of now. The veteran posted double digits in scoring in his final 12 games with Charlotte, the longest streak of his career. The 12.3 points per game he’s averaging represent the best mark of his 10 seasons and the 66.9% he’s shooting from the floor also represents the top output he’s posted since entering the league in 2013.
Plumlee’s minutes (28.5), total rebounds (9.7), offensive rebounds (3.3) and assists per game (3.7) are also at a career apex. Sending him elsewhere was a necessity since it opens up playing time for both Mark Williams and Nick Richards, two players the Hornets need to get a good look at to gauge if the center position is a strength heading into an important offseason.
So, he’s off to Los Angeles to be a part of a playoff team for the first time since 2019-20 and he’s excited.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Plumlee said. “Obviously, I really loved Charlotte. I think I expressed that. I think the fans and the team and the organization know that, but I’m wishing them the best and I’m looking forward to my next stop.”
Jackson, 32, is reportedly expected to be bought out of the remainder of the final year of his contract, allowing him to test the market and sign with a potential playoff contender. With the Hornets expected to go younger, the 12-year veteran point guard doesn’t really fit into Charlotte’s plans and it makes sense to cut ties with him because there’s really no role for him in the Hornets’ backcourt.
Mykhailiuk, a 25-year-old small forward, played sparingly for New York this season, appearing in 13 games. It’s unlikely he’ll be a big part of the Hornets’ youth movement, which Plumlee believes can be promising long term if they can focus on their development while also surrounding LaMelo Ball with the right supplemental players.
“I think (adding) pieces (is good), but more so (it’s) the internal growth,” Plumlee said. “That’s going to be more important than anybody added. And the one thing I appreciate is Cliff has said all season that we had the talent. The group has the talent, the talent is there.
“And I think as each individual guy’s game improves, so will the team. I don’t think they are in need – maybe to get to a championship level they need some pieces. But there’s enough in that locker room.”
