The Sacramento Kings are one team that is going to look to make some changes this NBA offseason to their roster. They are now the sole owners of the longest playoff drought in league history, a streak they would like to snap as soon as possible.
They took what they hope are the first steps to accomplishing that when they acquired Domantas Sabonis from the Indiana Pacers ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. It wasn’t cheap, as they traded away Tyrese Haliburton as part of the deal.
A lineup of De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, Donte DiVincenzo, Harrison Barnes, and Sabonis is a formidable group. The only thing that the Kings are really missing is a wing player to insert at the small forward spot. One team that could make sense as a trade partner is the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets could offer up Gordon Hayward in a deal. They are looking to slash some salary as Miles Bridges will be receiving a lucrative contract as a restricted free agent this offseason. P.J. Washington is up for one next year, while LaMelo Ball will be next after that.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hornets-Kings Trade Lands Gordon Hayward In Sacramento
Knowing they have some significant money commitments in the pipeline, the Hornets could look to move off of Gordon Hayward’s contract, which pays him $30 million for two more seasons. That is a significant number, but given how desperate the Sacramento Kings are to make a postseason push, they may be willing to take the risk.
The biggest red flag when it comes to Hayward is his health. He was durable early in his career, but that is no longer the case. In two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Hayward has appeared in 93 out of a possible 154 regular-season games.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hornets-Kings Trade Lands Gordon Hayward In Sacramento
Charlotte would likely have to include some draft compensation along with Gordon Hayward, but given how the Kings conduct business, they may be happy enough just to land the former All-Star. There is a match here when it comes to potential packages.
The Hornets are in the market for a starting center and the Kings happen to have one that they no longer have a need for in Richaun Holmes. Holmes saw his role diminish significantly when Sabonis came to town and that isn’t likely to change next season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hornets-Kings Trade Lands Gordon Hayward In Sacramento
He would provide the Charlotte Hornets with a sizable upgrade in the middle, which is arguably the weakest part of their roster. To make this deal compliant with league rules, the Sacramento Kings would have to include nearly $14 million more in salary. Terence Davis, Maurice Harkless, and Justin Holiday would get them to the required number.
