Does this trade make sense for the Charlotte Hornets?

The Hornets likely will not actively be looking to dump Gordon Hayward in the offseason, but the idea of trading him to open up cap space is definitely something Charlotte needs to consider. 

Retaining Miles Bridges in the offseason is not going to be easy, especially since his play this season has earned him a massive payday upwards of $18 million per year on a new contract. 

Should Charlotte give Bridges this kind of money, they will be getting dangerously close to the luxury tax threshold, something they never look to cross as an organization. 

In fact, the Hornets are one of the few teams in the NBA that are never above the luxury tax line any season, which is why they likely will not change this upcoming year. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Offseason Moves For Charlotte Hornets To Already Think About

Staying below the tax line is something the Hornets always look to do and they may have to give someone up in order to retain Miles Bridges. Gordon Hayward has a massive contract and his production could be replaced in this trade, making this deal with Portland not all bad for Charlotte. 

Josh Hart, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Jalen McDaniels could all replicate Gordon Hayward’s offensive production, and seeing as Hart is a better rebounder and defender than Hayward, the Hornets could actually get better by making this trade. 

Eric Bledsoe could prove to be a key backup guard on the bench and should they not want to keep him for salary reasons, Charlotte can waive him for a $3.9 million cap hit since his contract is partially-guaranteed. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Offseason Moves For Charlotte Hornets To Already Think About

Trading Gordon Hayward is definitely a scenario that could playout for the Charlotte Hornets in the offseason because of the financial trouble they are about to run into.