Grade the trade: Hornets flip Gordon Hayward for budding star in mock trade

Grading the trade for both the Hornets and Spurs

Moving on from Hayward would be a bittersweet moment for the Hornets. When he signed with the team, there was a hope the veteran forward could recapture the All-Star form that saw Boston covet his addition from the Utah Jazz. Unfortunately, injuries never allowed Hayward to make good on his contract, and now, it would make sense for the Hornets to try and cash in on his trade value rather than letting him wander off somewhere new next summer.

If Hayward can be parlayed into Keldon Johnson, Charlotte would likely be ecstatic with their moves this summer, as they would have a young starting rotation locked in for the upcoming season, with only Miles Bridges as a variable for the future.

San Antonio may be harder to convince, though. Keldon Johnson has been a core part of their rotation since they drafted him in 2019, and he still has plenty of room to develop his game. However, the pull of being a cap space team next summer, where they can sell stars on teaming up with Wembanyama, maybe too much for them to turn down. Especially when they’re also getting back Hayward, who, for all his injury issues, is still an impactful forward and consummate professional.

Both sides could be amiable in making this deal, as the upside works for both teams in the short and long term.

Grade for the Hornets: A 

Grade for the Spurs: B+ 

Chances of happening: C+