3 Gordon Hayward trades that would accelerate the Hornets' rebuild
By Ben Handler
Cavaliers receive: Gordon Hayward
Hornets receive: Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang, Dean Wade, Damian Jones, and a 2nd round pick
The Cavs are another team that badly needs an upgrade on the wing. They have two good guards and two good bigs, but not much in between. Hayward could immediately slide in as their starting small forward, and fit perfectly on both ends.
The Hornets don’t get any promising young players in this deal, but they could possibly be able to turn around and flip Wade and Niang to other teams, as both are on reasonable deals for two more years. They could serve as useful veteran role players in the meantime, providing solid shooting around Ball and Brandon Miller.
On top of that, they would, of course, acquire a second round pick in the deal, one that could be appealing if Donovan Mitchell leaves the Cavs for a bigger market and the team has to reset in the coming years.