Swarm and Sting
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Now is the time the Hornets should trade Gordon Hayward

By Jacob Phillips

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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James Bouknight, Charlotte Hornets (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)
James Bouknight, Charlotte Hornets (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) /

Moving on from Hayward frees up money and minutes for other key pieces

Hayward is on contract for two more years. He’ll be making over $30 million both years. Moving on from Hayward in a trade and taking on a one-year rental contract of equal value frees up money to keep important players in town.

Bridges has earned himself a hefty contract with his performance this season. He rejected an offer of $15 million a year to start the season, so he will probably make over $20 million a season when he inks that new deal.

Then there’s PJ Washington. He won’t get as big a bag as Bridges will receive, but he will still want to be paid his worth. If Hayward is still on the roster that might not be able to happen.

Other contracts that will expire this offseason include Cody Martin, Montrezl Harrell and Isaiah Thomas. If the team wants to bring any of those guys back it will cost them something.

Money isn’t the only problem though. Young players like rookies James Bouknight, Kia Jones and JT Thor will try and push for rotation minutes.

This season it’s been hard for guys like Bouknight to crack the rotation. In previous years Hornets newcomers would develop by going to the G-league then getting in some NBA action. If Hayward is still on the roster next season, where will these players find those minutes?

Bouknight has shown potential to be a contributor for the Hornets sooner than later. Freeing up Hayward’s minutes to divide amongst the team might put Bouknight in the rotation permanently.

All these reasons are examples of why the Hornets are ready to move on from Hayward this offseason. If they don’t, the team may be stuck with a problem they’ll have to wait out, regardless of the consequences.

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