Does this trade make sense for the Charlotte Hornets?

Gordon Hayward is eating up a big chunk of the cap in Charlotte. He has a massive contract and has not been able to make a return on the investment just yet. With the Hornets being sold on LaMelo Ball, could the team look to part with Hayward to build closer to Ball’s timeline?

Hayward still struggles with injuries and this is a reason the Hornets plummeted from ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference at one point to failing to make the playoffs altogether.

Charlotte added Ball with the third-overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. This proved to be the right selection immediately as Ball turned into a strong player. Now, it is about putting the right pieces around him.

Gallinari is a veteran who still has a lot left in the tank. He would be able to help Charlotte come postseason time because of his great experience. It would also land them a player with a high ceiling in Okongwu and a first-round pick with a chance of landing another prospect.

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This is a deep draft so the 20th pick in the draft could still get the Hornets a player ready to contribute.

The Hornets are in that awkward phase of rebuilding and competing right away. This offseason, they will need to decide which side they are on and make the appropriate moves.