Hornets are learning a Josh Green lesson the Mavericks learned years ago

Less than two years ago, the Dallas Mavericks decided to send Josh Green packing as part of a six-team sign-and-trade that brought Klay Thompson to Dallas. The Mavericks sent the former Arizona Wildcat to the Charlotte Hornets following his fourth season in the NBA and a trip to the NBA Finals, and according to some recent trade rumbles from HoopsHype's Mike Scotto, the Hornets are including the Australian guard in some trade talks.

Josh Green isn't a top-notch role player

Scotto reported that the Hornets and Sacramento Kings have had early discussions about a trade centered around Kings star Domantas Sabonis, and Green was part of the potential trade package along with Miles Bridges and a draft pick. They don't seem to view either player as a key piece of their core alongside Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and LaMelo Ball after a major resurgence last season that saw them win 44 games, and they've clearly learned their lesson with the 6-foot-6 guard.

Dallas learned the same lesson, that being that Green wasn't worthy of being part of their key group (or the exclusive contract that he's on) despite having the hype of a first-round pick, following the 2023-24 season. He had played for the Mavericks for his entire career, but his inconsistency, varying levels of confidence, and injuries were clouding the promising potential he once had.

He looked more like an average role player at best than a high-level starter, and Dallas decided to move on. They did so at the perfect time, as he has plateaued significantly in Charlotte.

Green's production has dipped in Charlotte

He only played 15.7 minutes per game last season, and he was an afterthought in Charles Lee's rotation with their season on the line. Green only played 15 minutes combined in Charlotte's two play-in games, and six of these minutes came when their second game was way out of reach against the Orlando Magic. He scored zero points in the Play-In Tournament and picked up four fouls.

The Hornets have seemed to determine that the 25-year-old Green won't be a marquee piece of their young core after just two seasons in Buzz City, and this is a conclusion that the Mavericks came to on their own in 2024. Dallas wouldn't have traded him as part of the Thompson sign-and-trade if they believed in his long-term potential, and they look smart for getting rid of him right before his three-year, $41 million extension kicked in.

Hornets seem ready to move on from Green after two seasons

Now, Charlotte is at least exploring the possibility of doing the same thing ahead of the final year of his contract. He isn't untouchable by any means, and the Hornets are willing to move off of him, as shown by the framework of these rumored trade talks with Sacramento.

The former first-round pick will always hold a special place in the hearts of MFFLs since he was part of their Finals team, but his time in Dallas is unfortunately remembered for him not living up to the excitement that came with being the No. 18 overall pick of the draft. Tyrese Maxey, Immanuel Quickley, Payton Pritchard, Jaden McDaniels, and Desmond Bane were all picked after him that year, and Green is on pace to be on the third team of his career if these rumors heat up.

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