Ranking the urgency to trade 5 Hornets players who could be on the move

2. Gordon Hayward - URGENT

A slightly less severe sense of urgency but still near the top of the list is finding a way to unload 33-year-old Gordon Hayward.

The situation involving Hayward is very similar to that of Kyle Lowry, but there is a notable difference between the two. Charlotte intended on having Hayward actually play and potentially be part of a team with lofty and unrealistic hopes of making some version of postseason play. With those very much out of reach, moving Hayward for anything they can get should be right behind trading Lowry.

Much like Lowry, Charlotte may need to send someone with Hayward or take on another team's undesirable contract to make it happen. As long as the Hornets can get something of value in return, such as a young player who does not fit with a team's competitive timeline or a draft pick of some sort, it is going to be worth it.

Even though there will more than likely be a team looking to acquire Hayward via trade, there is still going to be a team or two willing to wait it out in case the Hornets buy him out. Charlotte must protect themselves from having to go that route and get something rather than nothing.