Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, C Mason Plumlee
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook
When the Charlotte Hornets inked Gordon Hayward a deal worth $30 million dollars a season, many observers considered it an overpay. Flipping his contract to acquire Russell Westbrook may not do much to soften that view.
Still, reports of the Hornets’ interest in Westbrook are making the rounds on the internet. If they’re true, there’s virtually nothing the Hornets can do to acquire the former MVP outside of dealing Hayward.
This deal involves some complications. FIrstly, Mason Plumlee would have to agree to a sign-and-trade as an unrestricted free agent. Perhaps more troublingly, Russell Westbrook would have to be willing to man a second unit. That’s a notion he hasn’t exactly warmed up to during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, If the Hornets looked to acquire Westbrook to share a backcourt with Ball, they might as well punch their franchise player’s ticket out of town now.
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If both of those conditions hold, this trade may benefit both sides. A gruesome leg injury robbed Gordon Hayward of his superstar potential, but he’s still a quality young player. He should be a snug fit alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook may actually thrive as a sixth man at this stage of his career.
If he’s heading to the Charlotte Hornets, he’ll have to least keep an open mind to the idea.
