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The Charlotte Hornets are one of the surprise teams in the Eastern Conference, on the verge of making a playoff run with another top 10 defense. Point guard Kemba Walker is having his best season, leading the team in points and assists. Despite their improvements, the Hornets are still not at championship level, and will have difficult decisions to make in the offseason as to how they wish to get there. These are five players who won’t be with the team in 2016-17.
5. Cody Zeller
Credit: Getty Images5. Cody Zeller
The Charlotte Hornets will have to take a long look at Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky in the offseason. In the long-term, only one of them will be on the roster, and since Kaminsky was just drafted I'd say he's the safer bet. Zeller only has one more year left on his deal and would be a great trade chip.
4. Nicolas Batum
Credit: Getty Images4. Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum's contract is expiring and with the spike in the salary cap he'll command a ridiculous amount of money. The Hornets will definitely explore bringing him back, but they should realize that Batum's production can be found in other places for less money.
3. Al Jefferson
Credit: Getty Images3. Al Jefferson
Al Jefferson can't shoot, play defense, or pass. He's a black hole on offense. Jefferson's still a productive player in today's NBA — although not quite like he used to be — but the Hornets should move on instead of throwing a ton of money at him in the offseason.
2. Courtney Lee
Credit: Getty Images2. Courtney Lee
Like a majority of trade deadline acquisitions, Courtney Lee is likely to be a rental. The addition of Lee gives the Hornets another 3-and-D player to help their already potent attack in both areas.
1. Tyler Hansbrough
Credit: Getty Images1. Tyler Hansbrough
After a promising 2014-15 campaign with the Toronto Raptors in which he shot a career high 52.1 percent, Hansbrough signed a one-year deal with the Hornets. It looked like a great bargain at the time for a valuable role player, but Hansbrough hasn't caught on in Charlotte, only appearing in 34 games at 8.7 minutes per contest. He'll be playing elsewhere next season.
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