Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Steven Adams

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, F Kyle Anderson (Sign & Trade), 2023 First-Round Pick (MEM)

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F/C Anthony Davis

The Charlotte Hornets have two priorities this summer: cut costs, and acquire a starting big man. With this deal, they kill both of those birds with one stone. 

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers land one less rotation player here, but they may land a better player than anyone they got in the previous deal in Hayward. A former All-Star whose career has been derailed by injuries, Hayward is still a capable secondary shot creator and floor-spacer. 

Plus, it’s fair to wonder if he might look even a little better playing alongside LeBron James. 

It’s worth noting that the Lakers likely would have always expected a better return than any of these in a Davis trade. Unfortunately, his own injury problems have hurt his value.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Under-The-Radar Trade Destinations For Lakers’ Anthony Davis

Unless he turns it around, any one of these deals could improve the team next season. Including the next one.