Some NBA executives believe that the Hornets may not be able to avoid dealing away David West before the February 18 trade deadline.  Trading West would ensure that the Hornets stay under this season's luxury tax threshold.  

The Hornets would likely prefer to move Emeka Okafor, Peja Stojakovic, James Posey, Mo Peterson, Darius Songaila or Julian Wright.  But finding a taker for any of these other players will be more difficult than doing so for West.