Swarm and Sting
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Which player was named as the Hornets’ way too early NBA trade deadline candidate?

ByJames Mastrucci|
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Mason Plumlee #24, Gordon Hayward #20, and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets at Chase Center on November 03, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Mason Plumlee #24, Gordon Hayward #20, and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets at Chase Center on November 03, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

There is one particular member of the Charlotte Hornets who continues to pop up in trade rumors and hypothetical proposals and that player is Gordon Hayward.

When it comes to forecasting the future of the Charlotte Hornets, it really is hard to justify Hayward being a part of that. That is why it is far from surprising to see him named as the Hornets’ way too-early NBA trade deadline candidate in a recently published article appearing on Sir Charles in Charge.

"One player, however, that doesn’t fit on the team heading into the season is Gordon Hayward. Because of that, it’s easy to see why he should be considered a safe NBA Trade Deadline candidate for the team heading into the season."

Let’s take a few things into consideration. Gordon Hayward is on the other side of 30, has dealt with several injuries throughout his career, and is on a contract that expires at the end of the year. Does this check enough boxes for a trade deadline candidate? As David Puddy would say while donning his 8-Ball jacket, “All signs point to yes!“.

Here is the reality. Hayward, even though he would be a valuable veteran presence in a relatively young Hornets locker room, is probably a better fit on an already established contending team. Being in a situation where he is less vital to the team’s success and can contribute as a role player would be an ideal situation for the 33-year-old.

Is there a scenario where the Hornets opt to hang on to Hayward and not move at the deadline? It is certainly possible. Charlotte is looking to at least compete for a spot in the play-in tournament and in order to get that far there is usually a certain level of talent required and Hayward can help in that department.

What it comes down to is evaluating the situation at hand from short and long-term perspectives. Moving Hayward may result in possibly missing postseason play this season, but could result in the Hornets being better down the line. That second point should be the focus as Charlotte is not a team that is truly ready to compete for a title at the moment. A play-in or playoff spot this season would be nice but making a real run in 2024-25 should be something to focus on in the grand scheme of things.

Will the Hornets actually trade Gordon Hayward at or before the NBA trade deadline? Only time will tell, but until that happens the speculation that he will be moved will only continue to build.

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