NBA Draft 2022: What did Michael Jordan do with Charlotte Hornets' draft picks

Ananth Pandian

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NBA Draft 2022: What did Michael Jordan do with Charlotte Hornets' draft picks image

Jumpman, Jumpman, Jumpman, that Michael Jordan is up to something.

He has to be right? Otherwise how else would you explain Jordan's decision making in the 2022 NBA Draft?

Armed with the No. 13 overall pick, Jordan and Charlotte Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak selected dynamic Memphis big man Jalen Duren but then reportedly opted to trade him in a three-team deal involving the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks.

The trade was puzzling for many reasons as uncertainty surrounding the initial reporting. But after the dust settled, it became quite clear that the Hornets traded a current lottery pick for a first-round pick four years from now and four second-round picks.

Again, why did Jordan, who is the majority owner of the Hornets and is without a doubt one of the greatest to ever play, decide to make this type of deal? 

Let's break it down.

Hornets 2022 NBA Draft Trade

After selected Jalen Duren No. 13 overall, the Hornets reportedly traded the center to the Detroit Pistons in a three-team deal involving the New York Knicks. The Knicks then sent former All-Star point guard Kemba Walker to Detroit in a deal that included Duren.

Here's how the whole reported trade breaks down:

Why did Jordan's Hornets trade Jalen Duren?

Mitch Kupchak, who used to run the Lakers front office and is now the President of basketball operations and general manager in Charlotte, is really the person who actually traded Duren on draft night but as the owner of the team, Jordan has the final say.

And since he has the final say, it's pretty safe to say that Jordan okayed the deal.

According to Kupchak however, the Hornets traded Duren because it didn't help the team to have that much young talent on the roster. And no, that's not an exaggeration.

The Hornets did also have the No. 15 pick in the draft and selected big man Mark Williams. But really, the Hornets traded Duren and received future picks in return because they wanted to have some financial flexibility this offseason.

For the Hornets, re-signing Miles Bridges, who is a restricted free agent this summer, is a big priority. Bridges has emerged as a key piece on the Hornets, having a seemingly natural affinity with LaMelo Ball and showing possible All-Star potential. 

By trading away Duren, the Hornets freed up some cap space, albeit a rookie scale contract, and could now potentially match any contract Bridges signs elsewhere as a restricted free agent or just re-sign him themselves. 

Of course, Charlotte's short-term preference for Bridges, over the long-term potential of Duren may cause some head-scratching. But what else is new with Michael Jordan's Hornets, who have only made it to the playoffs three times since he bought the team in 2010. 

Jordan may very well be the GOAT. But as an owner, he remains the actual living embodiment of the Crying Jordan meme. 

Ananth Pandian

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Ananth Pandian is a seasoned marketer and copywriter with over a decade of experience working for premium brands and publishers like Nike, SLAM, and CBS Sports. Prior to plying his trade as a wordsmith, he grew up in a farmhouse, surrounded by the woods, fields, and a creek. Ananth has spent much of his life outdoors, and is excited to guide you through his never-ending list of the best products to keep you from falling to the perils of nature. Nowadays, there is rarely a weekend that goes by where Ananth isn't out camping, hiking, or just back on his parents' farm.