Utah Jazz Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G James Bouknight, 2022 First-Round Pick (NOP), 2024 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2026 First-Round Pick (CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
The Charlotte Hornets are in an ideal position to trade for Donovan Mitchell. They’ve got the young players and draft picks the Utah Jazz want. Just as importantly, they’ve got the big contract on the books the Jazz need to match Mitchell’s.
If Hayward’s reunion with the Jazz is teary-eyed, it’ll be for the wrong reasons. It’s rumored that he’s looking for a change of scenery. It’s doubtful that a suddenly rebuilding Jazz squad is what he has in mind.
Such is the burden of a $30 million contract. Hayward remains a fine player, but he’s not at a level where he can demand a say over his trade destination. He’ll be forced to go to Utah. The team can sort that issue out after the fact.
This deal allows the Hornets to take a step forward, and the Jazz to take a step back. It’s not without risks for either side, but it does put each in a more opportune position. That is, of course, assuming the Jazz don’t shock the world in the 2021-22 playoffs.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Jazz In Potential Donovan Mitchell Trade
That’s looking increasingly unlikely. It’s difficult to avoid the temptation to write about this core group in the past tense.
