Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Myles Turner, G T.J. McConnell
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, No. 13 Overall Pick in 2022 NBA Draft, Top-10 Protected 2025 First-Round PIck
This trade package is likely something that the Charlotte Hornets could really push for. One of their goals this season is to move Gordon Hayward and the two years and $60 million remaining on his contract. His injury history makes that a somewhat difficult move, but as we have seen previously, no contract is truly untradeable in the NBA.
The Hornets hit on multiple boxes in this deal. First and foremost, they get Hayward’s contract off the books. Secondly, Myles Turner bolsters the center position, with Mason Plumlee moving into a reserve role behind him.
They also address their need for a backup point guard behind LaMelo Ball by acquiring T.J. McConnell, who is arguably the best reserve point guard in the NBA. McConnell is an excellent defender and elite playmaker coming off the bench.
To accomplish this, however, it will cost the Hornets some of their draft capital. The No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft heads to the Pacers, who also own the No. 6 overall pick. They also pick up a future first-round pick that is top-10 protected, as it costs one to move Hayward and another for the players coming back in the deal.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Charlotte Hornets Could Part With 15th Pick For Indiana Pacers In Myles Turner Trade
Indiana could push to acquire both the No. 13 and 15 picks in this year’s draft, giving them some ammunition as they are rumored to be looking to move up in the 2022 NBA Draft with Jaden Ivey being their target. Charlotte would likely rebuff that, so they agree on a future first-round pick, and 2025 is the earliest that the Hornets can part with one.