Hornets send Gordon Hayward to Dallas in mock trade proposal
As things stand currently, it does not seem likely that Gordon Hayward will finish the season with the Charlotte Hornets. As an aging veteran in the last year of his contract, Hayward could be on the move this season, a possibility that most experts agree on. This is why is not exactly a surprise to see Hayward as the player mentioned in Zach Buckley’s 1 New Trade Idea for Every NBA Team Before 2023-24 Season article appearing on Bleacher Report.
Buckley pairs the Hornets with the Dallas Mavericks in this deal. Hayward heads to Dallas while Charlotte receives Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, and Jaden Hardy. Buckley is fairly blunt in why this deal is constructed in this manner, as the Hornets are a team looking to accumulate assets for further down the line.
"“The Hornets should view the 2023-24 season as a time of development and asset accumulation. They shouldn’t be in a hurry to scramble up the standings, but they should be eyeing young players who could help them make that type of leap down the line.”"
Of the players coming to Charlotte in this deal, it is Hardy that Buckley singles out to possibly be the most notable player coming to the Hornets if he can reach his potential.
"“If he ascended to building-block status in Buzz City, this club might be assembling a strong foundation for the future. The Hornets already have a 22-year-old star in LaMelo Ball, plus a whole heap of upside from the likes of Brandon Miller, Nick Smith Jr., Mark Williams and P.J. Washington.”"
There are some ifs involved in this discussion, but that is the state of the Hornets franchise as of this moment. Multiple things have to work out in their favor if they are no longer going to be an Eastern Conference bottom feeder if their roster construction and current configuration is truly viable, and if this team is ever going to accomplish anything of note. Until the Hornets can actually get back on track toward being a relevant organization, these are the types of deals they need to consider and execute in their quest to rebuild the franchise.
