Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels has drawn “increasing interest” around the NBA as a potential trade candidate, Shams Charania of The Athletic said during an appearance on The Rally (Twitter video link). The Suns are among the clubs monitoring McDaniels as the February 9 trade deadline nears, according to Charania.
McDaniels, who will turn 25 later this month, is enjoying a breakout season in Charlotte, averaging career highs in points (10.9), rebounds (4.9), assists (2.1), and steals (1.1) per game, among other categories.
A fourth-year forward, McDaniels saw his playing time dip to a career-low 16.3 minutes per game under James Borrego last season, but has become a key rotation contributor for new head coach Steve Clifford in 2022/23, logging a career-high 26.5 MPG. He’s also one of just two Hornets to have appeared in all 41 games so far this season, along with Mason Plumlee.
McDaniels’ length, defensive versatility, and ability to make threes (.352 career 3PT%) will make him a popular trade target if the Hornets are willing to move him. Charania notes that the former second-round pick would make sense for Phoenix in a potential Jae Crowder deal, though a third team would almost certainly need to be involved, since Charlotte wouldn’t be a logical fit for Crowder.
Because McDaniels wasn’t a first-round pick, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent – rather than restricted – at the end of his fourth season this summer, and Charania suggests he’ll be “sought after” on the open market. That could make the Suns and other teams hesitant to give up too much for him — McDaniels’ club would have his Bird rights, but wouldn’t be able to control his free agency by unilaterally matching any offer he receives.
Which pair of siblings would you rather have on your team for the next 5yrs, Jaden & Jalen McDaniels, Franz & Mo Wagner, Tyus & Tre Jones, Lonzo & LaMelo Ball, Caleb & Cody Martin, Amen & Ausar Thompson or Keegan & Kris Murray? Rank a top5 if possible…
If Lonzo was healthy it wouldn’t be close but nobody really compares to Lamelo even if you’re high on Franz so the Ball Brothers regardless
Lonzo will def be back within the next 5yrs & he’s gonna be great, but don’t sleep on the Murray twins & the Thompson twins tho. The Jones brothers are arguably the best rn & Tre continues to improve. Plus the McDaniels brothers are both having great seasons as well. And if you’re as high on Franz as I am, it’s definitely close bw Franz/Mo & Zo/Melo… link to m.youtube.com
giannis and pick one
Jaden and Jalen easy.
If Lonzo was healthy it wouldn’t be close, but nobody really compares to Lamelo even if you’re high on Franz so the Ball Brothers regardless
I love Melo but I definitely disagree that nobody on this list compares to him. I rather have Amen than Melo. I might rather have Franz than him. I’d prob take Melo over Keegan Murray but the Murray twins definitely seem like a much safer pick compared to the Ball bros & those guys are both very skilled, esp Keegan.
All talks
Do nothing Suns and Lakers GMs
If both continue to do nothing, they are worst teams in the West excluding tanking teams.
Lakers 11th seed
Suns 12th seed – soon to be
He could turn into 3 and D player. He is worth a protected first round pick or 2 high seconds
Jalen McDaniels in 26.5 min per game this season:
10.9 PTS
4.9 REB
2.1 AST
1.1 STL
45.8 FG%
34.2 3P%
Averaging career highs in MIN, PTS, REB, and STL.
And he has length, he’s 6.9, good size for a three
So what. Given playing time, any player is going to put up better numbers on bad teams. Somebody has to score, somebody has to rebound, somebody has to possess the ball. But it doesn’t mean they’re anything but bottom tier players.
PHX: Jalen McDaniels
PHI: Jae Crowder
CHA: Mattise Thybulle and Jaden Springer