Jaxson Hayes
If Myles Turner turns out to be too pricy for the Hornets’ taste, then they should be able to find an impactful center elsewhere. Jaxson Hayes is a name that should be available for trade if the New Orleans Pelicans are presented with an enticing enough deal.
Hayes has a litany of off-court issues, but when he’s playing basketball, he can be a tantalizing prospect and a dominant force at times. His blend of size, speed, and athleticism is nearly unmatched in the NBA, making him an absolute terror in transition on both ends of the court.
In Charlotte, he’ll become a fan favorite throwing down transition lobs from LaMelo and chasing down opponents for swats off of the backboard.
In a half-court setting, he’ll be able to provide value as a screen-setter and rim-runner for Ball and the Hornets’ other playmakers. On defense, he’s still a project, but his timing and defensive IQ have been getting better each season.
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Due to his controversial nature, Hayes should be available for a relatively low price. It shouldn’t take much more than the 13th pick and pieces to match salary to swing this deal for Charlotte. It’ll certainly be a risk, but his potential fit with the Hornets’ core is almost too good to pass up.
