Charlotte Brought Kendall Gill Back for Two Guards
On June 27, 1995, Charlotte reacquired former Hornets lottery pick Kendall Gill from the Seattle SuperSonics for Hersey Hawkins and David Wingate. Gill had originally played three seasons in Charlotte and had requested a move out of the franchise before arriving in Seattle. Contemporary reporting and both team ledgers agree on the full two-for-one transaction. For Charlotte, the attraction was a playmaking guard with familiarity in the market and enough size to help around the developing frontcourt. Seattle was seeking a more dependable perimeter shooter alongside Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. Wingate, not just Hawkins, must be listed in the deal even though the two incoming players eventually contributed at very different levels.
Hawkins Played a Real Role in Seattle’s Finals Run
The 1995-96 SuperSonics immediately benefited from Hawkins. He started all 82 regular-season games, averaged 15.6 points and made 38.4 percent of his three-pointers, then appeared in 21 postseason games as Seattle reached the NBA Finals. The Sonics lost to Chicago, but Hawkins provided the shooting and defensive attention expected when the club exchanged Gill. Wingate was an added wing option rather than the foundation of the exchange. Seattle’s B grade reflects direct on-court utility within a 64-win team, not a claim that Hawkins alone took the franchise to the championship series. His sustained role gives the Seattle side of the transaction an especially strong immediate case.
Gill’s Charlotte Return Was Productive but Brief
Gill started 36 Hornets games in 1995-96, averaging 12.9 points, 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds. That was useful all-around guard production, but the reunion lasted less than one season. Charlotte later included Gill in a separate exchange with New Jersey involving Kenny Anderson, so attributing all of Anderson’s later play to this June trade would ignore the additional players and decision. The Hornets nevertheless obtained both Gill’s own playing time and the opportunity to move a familiar veteran again. Their B grade recognizes the near-term contribution, while Seattle’s B recognizes the extended role of Hawkins and its playoff context. The original grades judge the teams roughly even despite their different routes.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Charlotte earns B for Kendall Gill’s 36-game Hornets return and subsequent use in another trade. Seattle also gets B for Hersey Hawkins, an 82-game starter on its 1996 Finals team, plus David Wingate. Both sides obtained real basketball value, although Hawkins’ run lasted longer.