Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Gordon Hayward
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Tim Hardaway Jr., F Dorian Finney-Smith
Tim Hardaway Jr. just signed a four-year, $75M contract with the Mavericks in the offseason and Dallas does like the production he gives the offense next to Luka Dncic, but the question they really need to answer is if this is enough to be competitive in the playoffs?
On the year, Hardaway Jr. is averaging 14.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and is shooting 35.7% from three-point range. This is definitely not enough production for a guy making just under $19M AAV, hence why trading him is not a terrible idea.
Dorian Finney-Smith is not a player Dallas is wanting or looking to trade at the moment, as he is on one of the best contracts in the league given his value, but the 28-year-old combo-forward is in the final year of his contract and the Mavericks will most likely not be able to retain him next offseason.
Charlotte would not only be adding depth in this trade, but they would get instant offensive and instant defensive impacts for their team. However, Gordon Hayward has meant a lot to them over the years.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Charlotte Hornets — Pass Or Pursue?
Not only is the veteran forward a mentor for the young players on this team, but he sort of acts as their captain in a way because of how he can keep everyone together.
On the season, Hayward is averaging 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and is shooting 45.6% from the floor, 39.6% from three-point range.
Gordon Hayward has fit in so well in Charlotte through the years and continues to be a reliable contributo for them on the wing, so they may have no thoughts of trading him ahead of the deadline this year, especially since he has plenty of years left on his contract.
The idea of adding Hayward to their roster is definitely something that should be intriguing to the Mavericks, even if his price is high, because they need that third star to take them over the border they currently sit behind in the Western Conference.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Charlotte Hornets — Pass Or Pursue?
They are a good team right now, but are not a great team, which is why they are in no position to win a playoff series this season. Maybe they will fail to do so with Hayward as well, but he certainly gives them a better chance to win right now compared to that of Hardaway and Finney-Smith.
