Trade Gordon Hayward

Out of the three possibilities mentioned, this is the most unlikely thing to happen, but anything is possible for the Hornets this offseason, especially if they fail to earn a playoff spot via the play-in tournament. 

Gordon Hayward is an essential piece to the Hornets roster and has proven to be effective on the floor, but with the team expected to pay Miles Bridges long-term and Hayward’s contract getting bumped up to $30 million next season, Charlotte does need to consider cutting ties with the 31-year-old, soon-to-be 32-year-old forward. 

Compared to his first season in Charlotte last year, Gordon Hayward’s numbers have dropped a considerable amount and the young talents on the Hornets’ roster are starting to find their footing in this league. 

LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier playing well in the backcourt takes touches away from Gordon Hayward, Bridges playing well on the wing takes touches away from Hayward and the Hornets have given more playing time to Kelly Oubre Jr. and P.J. Washington as of late with the veteran forward being injured. 

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Gordon Hayward’s production matters a lot to this team, hence their losing skid without him on the floor, but they have the personnel and means to get rid of him while still improving as a team on the floor. In the end, $30 million is a lot to play an injury-prone veteran, which is why moving him and using the extra cap space to surround their young talents with secondary talents will be key.