Hornets’ veteran named as possible target for contending team
There is a very likely scenario that sees the Charlotte Hornets being in position to move some players during the season. While it is incredibly unlikely that the Hornets will move any of their more prominent players, there is one player in particular who was recently mentioned as a possible option for a contending team in the Eastern Conference, Gordon Hayward.
Hayward was mentioned as one of six realistic trade targets for the New York Knicks by Michael Saenz of Sir Charles in Charge. While the prospect of Hayward being a primary option for a relevant team is very much in the rearview mirror, he could still make meaningful contributions as a complementary player on an already established team.
"“Hayward on the Hornets as the No. 1 or No. 2 option may not move the needle much but as the third or fourth option for a playoff contender, that could certainly be a legit threat to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. Considering the Hornets are likely in the midst of a rebuild, I find it hard to imagine that the asking price for Hayward wouldn’t be large. It’s certainly a pairing that could work, even if it is just for one season.”"
A specific trade package is not mentioned, but it is pointed out that the asking price would not be incredibly high. This would obviously benefit the Knicks, but Charlotte can still find a way to come out on the other side with some positives.
The Hornets are not a team who have actual championship aspirations this year or the next. But if they are going to get into a position where that becomes a possibility, they will need their younger players to have ample playing time for their development to come along at an acceptable rate. That becomes difficult if Hayward is still on the roster receiving minutes that would otherwise go to players 10 or more years younger than him.
