Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Jakob Poeltl, F Doug McDermott, G/F Josh Richardson
Phoenix Suns receive: F Gordon Hayward, 2023 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – CHA)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Deandre Ayton
Here, the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs enlist the Charlotte Hornets to make a deal work.
The Hornets fill multiple needs with this trade. Firstly, this team is desperate to add a quality big man. It was heavily rumored that they were interested in Poeltl around this year’s trade deadline.
Here, they get their man a half year later.
They also need to clear their books. They’ve got Miles Bridges hitting Restricted Free Agency this summer, and LaMelo Ball’s rookie extension isn’t far behind. With this deal, the Hornets break Hayward’s monstrous contract into smaller deals that will be easier to move down the line.
Finally, the Suns opt for draft capital and financial flexibility again. Hayward’s deal will run two fewer years than the extension Ayton would receive at a likely similar price point.
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By next season, he’ll be under a moveable, expiring contract. They’re also landing two first-round picks for their trouble. Charlotte’s is lottery-protected: they’re not quite getting enough to surrender an unprotected first-round pick.
On the other hand, the Spurs might be in Deandre Ayton.
