Charlotte Trade Buzz Shakes Up Kon Knueppel’s Draft Path as NBA Uncertainty Builds
Just days ago, it seemed all but certain that Kon Knueppel, the sharp-shooting guard out of Duke, was poised to don a Charlotte Hornets jersey as a top-five selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Now, as the draft clock ticks down, rumors of a major trade involving the Hornets’ No. 4 pick have thrown a wrench into that plan and created a ripple effect across the league.
Knueppel, once considered a late-lottery prospect, has surged up NBA mock draft boards in recent weeks after impressing scouts during the combine and private workouts. With his silky shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and polished all-around game, the former Blue Devil had become a hot commodity for lottery teams looking for plug-and-play scoring and long-term upside.
The Charlotte Hornets, holding the No. 4 overall pick, were widely projected to land Knueppel, whose fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller seemed ideal for a team rebuilding around young offensive versatility. But with less than 36 hours to go before draft night, all bets are off.
Trade Talks Centered Around RJ Barrett and the No. 9 Pick
According to multiple reports, including a strong hint from insider Evan Sidery, the Hornets are exploring a trade that would send the No. 4 pick to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for RJ Barrett and the No. 9 pick.
This deal would bring a proven NBA scorer—Barrett, another former Duke standout—into Charlotte’s young core while still keeping them in the top 10 of the draft. It’s a win-now move from a franchise that has spent the better part of the last decade trying to escape the NBA basement.
But what does it mean for Knueppel?
If Charlotte moves down to No. 9, there’s no guarantee they’ll still target the Duke freshman, especially if other highly touted wings or combo forwards like Ace Bailey from Rutgers are still on the board. And with teams like Utah (No. 5) and Washington (No. 6) in need of scoring talent, Knueppel’s landing spot just became far less predictable.
Who Is Kon Knueppel—and Why Does He Matter?
Kon Knueppel isn’t just riding the Duke brand; he’s earned his status. The 6-foot-6 guard came into Durham with a reputation as one of the purest shooters in his class. By midseason, he was a top offensive contributor on a loaded Duke squad that featured future No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and potential top-10 center Khaman Maluach.
Knueppel shot over 42% from three, displayed an advanced mid-range game, and proved capable of running secondary offense when called upon. More than just a scorer, he showed flashes of defensive IQ and a knack for making winning plays.
With teams like the Jazz, Wizards, and Pelicans picking just after Charlotte, all three franchises could easily make a case for selecting a polished, NBA-ready shooter like Knueppel—especially in a draft class short on surefire perimeter scorers.
Draft Night Mayhem Brewing
The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With Cooper Flagg a near-lock at No. 1, and the Spurs and 76ers reportedly leaning toward bigs or playmaking forwards, Knueppel’s draft window realistically begins at No. 4 and extends to about No. 8 or 9—depending on how trades shake out.
If Charlotte trades back, it could benefit a team like Utah, who may see Knueppel as the ideal scoring wing to complement their young core. However, if the Hornets stay put and pass on Knueppel in favor of an instant-impact name like Reed Sheppard or Matas Buzelis, then everything changes.
The Blue Devil Effect
It’s also worth noting that Duke’s influence on this year’s draft is massive. With three projected lottery picks—Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach—scouts and general managers have been watching their tape all season long. The credibility of playing for Duke under the spotlight, against top-tier competition, adds to Knueppel’s draft résumé.
Ironically, it might be another Duke product—RJ Barrett—who disrupts Knueppel’s path to Charlotte.
Yet, Knueppel remains unfazed, according to sources close to his camp. He’s continued training, staying ready, and embracing the unknowns of draft week.
Final Thoughts: A Star Still on the Rise
Whether he ends up in Charlotte, Utah, Toronto, or beyond, Kon Knueppel’s talent and trajectory remain intact. The trade buzz might shake up his draft-night destination, but it won’t diminish his appeal. He’s still a projected top-10 pick, and teams across the league recognize his shooting ability, intelligence, and adaptability as traits that translate to today’s NBA.
Draft night is always full of surprises—and Kon Knueppel is now at the center of one of its biggest plot twists.
For fans, scouts, and front offices alike, all eyes will be on that No. 4 pick. Whether it’s traded or used, it will likely shape the narrative of the 2025 NBA Draft—and determine where one of college basketball’s sharpest shooters begins his pro journey.
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