Dark Horse #4: Charlotte Hornets
This option obviously completely hinges on the Pelicans getting some sort of confirmation from Kemba Walker and his camp that he would be willing to re-sign with New Orleans in the offseason when he becomes a free agent. If not, you hang up the phone.
But if Kemba is in, the Pellies score a slashing, cold-blooded, all-star starter that’s enjoying the best season of his career. If Charlotte is currently getting any sort of indication from Kemba that he’s going to leave them in free agency anyway, they’d definitely be open to shipping him out for Davis.
Add in to the mix young dudes Malik Monk and Miles Bridges. Monk has the skillset to become a prolific scorer in this league, and Bridges is an athletic, explosive rookie with tons of upside. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is just here for the money, and is not a guy Charlotte would have any issues parting with.
The Hornets retain all draft picks and try their best to build a new roster around their new focal point, banking on Davis having some sort of nostalgia for when he wore a Hornets jersey in his rookie season.