3 Gordon Hayward trades Hornets should explore this offseason
By Adam Taylor
After selecting Brandon Miller with the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Gordon Hayward’s time with the Charlotte Hornets could be nearing an end. Hayward, 33, has struggled with injury during his three years in North Carolina and will enter his contract’s final year next season.
According to Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer, Hayward is ‘likely’ to be a trade candidate for the Hornets during the offseason and could hold some value around the league due to the short amount of time remaining on his deal.
"“Numbers-wise, Hayward is probably the more likely of the two candidates to be moved only because of his expiring contract,” Boone wrote. “With the new CBA structured to make it more difficult to build super teams and tax franchises with bloated payrolls, there may be more emphasis put on shorter deals that help teams achieve payroll flexibility.”"
Since arriving in Charlotte from the Boston Celtics, Hayward has participated in 143 regular-season games, averaging 16.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 50.9% shooting from the field and 38.1% shooting from deep. Unfortunately, Hayward has struggled to enjoy a prolonged period in the rotation, as injuries have forced him in and out of the rotation.
Nevertheless, when healthy, Hayward is a high-level wing option who can operate as a primary ball-handler, off-ball floor spacer, and slasher from both the slot and wing areas of the court. The Indiana native is also a reliable defender who can guard multiple positions across the floor and provides some stern perimeter resistance.
There will undoubtedly be interested teams from around the league should the Hornets decide to make one of their star players available for trade. With that said, here are three trades Charlotte’s front office should potentially explore.
#1 Hornets send Gordon Hayward to New York
Right now, the New York Knicks find themselves being floated in trade rumors surrounding All-Star guard Damian Lillard. However, reporting has the Miami Heat as Lillard’s preferred choice. As such, the Knicks could be looking for ways to continue improving their roster after adding Donte DiVincenzo in free agency.
New York’s depth chart at the small forward position does look rather deep if you expect Tom Thibodeau to utilize Josh Hart at the three. However, RJ Barrett could slide down to the two-guard position to ensure playing time is available for Hayward, giving the Knicks some positional versatility within their rotations as a result.
In return, the Hornets would get a proven perimeter shooter and playmaker in Evan Fournier – who has fallen out of favor with Thibodeau. Fournier is a career 37.9% shooter from the perimeter and would certainly add some potency to the Hornet’s three-point offense while also giving LaMelo Ball another option to defer two when teams look to trap him and force the rock out of his hands.
Isaiah Hartenstein would give Steve Clifford another big man to work with. However, Hartenstein has shown an ability to operate as an offensive hub around the post due to his hand-off ability and court vision. It would be interesting to see how Hartenstein would fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller due to his off-ball movement and work rate around the low-post and dunker spot.