The Charlotte Hornets could be looking to move a couple of big-name players before the trade deadline this season.

According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, “The prevailing thought in NBA circles is the Hornets have to move off a salary, with forward Nic Batum, who can’t seem to get and stay healthy or swingman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist being candidates.” With the Charlotte Hornets struggling this season, there’s a good chance that the front office could choose to blow up the team and trade key players like Nicolas Batum and MKG.

The problem is that if Charlotte does decide to move one or both of these players, it could be difficult for them to find a trade partner. Not many teams are looking to take on a big contract like Batum’s or a forward who can’t shoot from three like MKG. The Hornets would likely have to package a pick or a young player to complete a deal.

Steve added that Charlotte’s unlikely to include rookies Malik Monk and Dwayne Bacon in any trade unless they got a ton in return. Kyler also said that Frank Kaminsky is the name to watch going forward as he could be packaged in a deal with Nic Batum or MKG to help facilitate a trade. Kaminsky is a good candidate to potentially be traded because he is still on his rookie salary.

Coming off of a serious elbow injury that he is still recovering from, Nic Batum’s trade value may be the lowest that it has ever been. Considering that he is set to make at least $22 million over the next three years with a $27 million player-option for the 2020-21 season, it makes trading him all the more difficult.

As for Kidd-Gilchrist, the swingman hasn’t shown much improvement in his jump shot after five years in the NBA. Although, he is a lockdown defender and is set to make only $13 million through 2019-20 season which could make him an intriguing target for a number of teams.

The Hornets will have to field calls from teams around the league and see if there is any interest in either of these players.

Kyler also tweeted that he doesn’t think that Charlotte will consider moving Kemba Walker unless the all-star point guard asks to be traded. He said that if the Hornets don’t do something, they could end up in the same situation that the Indiana Pacers were with Paul George.

It will be interesting to see what the Charlotte Hornets do going forward. Rich Cho is in a contract year which could change his approach to the trade deadline this season. The team’s plans will most likely depend on their record. If they are still below .500 and on the outside looking in of the playoff picture come February, it makes it more likely that they could have a fire sale.