Hornets Get Sexton, Jazz Acquire Nurkić in Trade

The Utah Jazz have traded guard Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Jusuf Nurkić. Sexton, who averaged 18.4 points and 4.2 assists last season, will join the Hornets as a scoring option and secondary ball handler alongside LaMelo Ball. The Jazz, having drafted guards Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr., made the move to clear backcourt minutes for their young players. Nurkić, who averaged 8.9 points and 7.8 rebounds last season, is expected to strengthen Utah’s frontcourt and mentor center Walker Kessler. Both Sexton and Nurkić are on expiring contracts worth about $19 million, making the trade financially neutral. Charlotte aims to prioritize the development of young centers Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate following Nurkić’s departure.