Charlotte Hornets Receive: F/C Kevin Love, F Cedi Osman
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, C Mason Plumlee, 2024 Second-Round Pick (via BOS)
This hypothetical trade between the Charlotte Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers was put together by Dan Favale over at Bleacher Report. He made one trade for every team that isn’t playing in the 2022 NBA Finals that is pitting the Boston Celtics against the Golden State Warriors.
This is an interesting trade for both teams because it is a fresh idea. The Cavaliers, fresh off of their first winning season without LeBron James since the 1997-98 campaign, are in search of a wing upgrade and are taking a chance on Gordon Hayward.
Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Hornets during free agency in 2020. Injuries have kept him off the court for a majority of his time in Buzz City, but when healthy, he is exactly the type of player that Cleveland needs to take things to the next level.
Given the injury risk, and the fact Hayward is the only player with guaranteed money beyond this current league year, the Cavaliers are picking up a second-round pick as well. Mason Plumlee can provide some veteran insurance in the frontcourt behind Allen, Mobley, and Lauri Markkanen.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Cleveland Cavaliers To Pursue Using No. 14 Pick
Heading to Charlotte is Kevin Love, who had a resurgent 2021-22 after looking like a shell of himself the last few seasons. He may not fill the exact needs of the Hornets, but there are positives to his arrival. The same can be said about Cedi Osman on the wing.
How does this deal impact both teams? Let’s take at it from each of their perspectives, starting with the Hornets.
