No, the Hornets should not trade Gordon Hayward

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the Charlotte Hornets and potential trades to upgrade the roster for a playoff push. Some fans have made it clear that Gordon Hayward is a possible trade piece.

Aside from LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, who I believe are untouchable,  the Hornets could create a trade package featuring anyone on the roster. However, it would be in the team’s best interest if Gordon Hayward was added to the short list of untouchables.

The biggest concern with Hayward entering the season was his health. Ever since that brutal injury to start the 2017 season, Hayward has become injury-prone. Last season he played in just 44 games, the fewest in his career not counting the 2017-18 season.

Charlotte Hornets: No, Gordon Hayward should not be traded.

This season the injury bug has not hit Hayward (knock on wood). He has appeared in 31 of the Hornets’ 32 games this season, and even though there is a lot of season left to play, fans have to be pleased with his availability this season.

"“His body is holding up. Obviously, we’ve got to continue to manage him and watch his minutes and his long runs. I’m trying to shorten his runs so we are not having too long of runs out there for him. But the goal is to get him to game 82. We know if we can get a healthy Gordon through 82 games, we are going to be in good shape down the stretch. So this is a major key for us to keep him on the floor and manage his body and his minutes.”– James Borrego"

Another reason fans may want to see Hayward go in a trade package is the massive 4-year, $120 million dollar contract he signed last offseason. With two years left on that deal after this one and Hayward only getting older, it is easy to understand the concerns fans have.

However, Hayward has proved, without a doubt, why he is worth his contract and should remain on the roster past the trade deadline.

Charlotte Hornets: No, Gordon Hayward should not be traded.

Hayward is averaging 18 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds in his second season with the Hornets. He has been a reliable option all season when on the court.

Trading away Hayward would get rid of one of the most consistent scoring options. His backup, Kelly Oubre, has been good this year, but he lacks the consistency Hayward provides.

There is not a player on the Hornets better in the half-court offensive setting than Gordon Hayward. When the game slows down and the team needs a bucket, Hayward is the guy that gets to his spot better than anyone.

Hayward’s play this season has earned praise from both teammates and head coach James Borrego. They understand the importance of having a player like Hayward on the court.

"“He’s a stabilizing force for us on both sides of the ball,” Borrego said, ”(he’s) bringing us great leadership, I.Q., size. That’s what I saw from him last year. That’s why we missed him so much last year. So very much the same approach for us this year. We are best when he’s on the floor.”"

Charlotte has made it clear they expect to make the playoffs this year. Hayward is one of five players on the roster to have made the playoffs before, and even though he does not have the most appearances on the team, he has the most experience.

A young team like Charlotte needs a guy with playoff experience to understand what it takes to compete in win-or-go-home situations. Without Hayward last season, the Hornets got annihilated in the play-in game against Indiana.

Hayward has had a number of huge games for Charlotte this year. Most recently he dropped 41 points on 15-19 shooting in a game against the Spurs. Hayward feels strong performances like that and staying aggressive will raise the team’s ceiling

"“I just have to play with this mindset every night. I’m not going to shoot like this, obviously. But I think for our team, though, for me to be aggressive, get in the paint, make plays for myself and others, it helps us as a team and I’ve got to continue to do that.” Hayward said."

Without Hayward getting to the playoffs becomes a challenge. He adds experience and leadership that is needed for a team as young as the Hornets. He must not be traded away or else this team will struggle to achieve its goals.