Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, C Mason Plumlee
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Kevin Love, F Dylan Windler
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook
The Charlotte Hornets have rumored interest in Russell Westbrook. It probably has more to do with clearing their books than any on-court impact. This deal helps them to that end.
After all, Hayward’s pact runs for one year longer than Westbrook’s. He’s unlikely to be part of the Hornets’ future. They could utilize Westbrook as a sixth man behind LaMelo Ball for a year, and clear up massive cap room immediately after.
As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hayward is a clear roster upgrade. They spent much of 2021-22 running Lauri Markkanen at the 3. It worked surprisingly well. They’d still benefit from having a true wing at that position. Markkanen could man the second unit, receiving a starter’s share of minutes every night at all 3 frontcourt spots.
The Los Angeles Lakers, of course, would be fortunate to flip Westbrook for Kevin Love. While the former college teammates are both aging out of their primes, Love’s game has proven more adaptable to the aging curve. He’d be an asset to their 2022-23 campaign.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Wild Lakers-Warriors Trade Swaps Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis
With a little more injury luck for Anthony Davis, it might be all the Lakers need to get back to title contention.
