The Charlotte Hornets plan to add to their frontcourt this offseason. That much is certain. Whether the reinforcement arrives via the draft, free agency or trade is still unknown.

General manager Jeff Peterson shows little interest in a blockbuster trade that sends out a key roster piece. Yet any time the Hornets call around the league, opposing executives are expected to inquire about Brandon Miller's availability. LaMelo Ball is untouchable. Rookie of the Year runner-up Kon Knueppel is untouchable. That leaves Miller as the young player with the highest trade value on the roster.

Miller possesses the physical tools and skill set to develop into a perennial All-Star. He can stretch the floor, finish around the rim and guard multiple positions. Yet he has produced at that level for only brief stretches of a couple of weeks at a time rather than across sustained stretches of a full season. The new lottery rules have pushed most teams toward patience, holding their young building blocks instead of selling low in search of win-now upgrades. As a result, the market may not offer a package compelling enough to justify dealing Miller plus multiple first-round picks.

Retaining Miller allows the Hornets to build continuity around their current core. His floor spacing would continue to create driving lanes for Ball. His defensive versatility would help cover perimeter mismatches that have plagued the roster. The Hornets remain thin at power forward, however, and a veteran frontcourt addition could provide immediate help as they try to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

Peterson's history suggests the organization prefers to build through the draft and supplement the young core with lower-cost veteran additions. Most other franchises are taking the same approach, guarding their lottery selections while the reshaped draft rules continue to reward long-term development over short-term splashes. If Charlotte stands pat on Miller, the front office must identify complementary pieces that fit beside Ball, Knueppel and Miller without surrendering additional future assets.

The Hornets face a clear strategic fork. They can pursue a trade package centered on Miller before the February deadline or wait for the offseason to explore sign-and-trade options once free agency begins. Either path will determine whether the franchise remains a project centered on its young backcourt and wing talent or accelerates its rise into a more competitive tier in the East.