Utah Jazz Receive: F Gordon Hayward, F/C P.J. Washington, 2023 First-Round Pick (DEN via CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Rudy Gobert
Much of the Charlotte Hornets’ summer was expected to be defined by their search for a starting big man. Having selected Duke’s Mark Williams with the 15th pick, some may assume that the search is over.
It may be. On the other hand, Rudy Gobert would be an entirely different proposition for this squad. If the Hornets are reading to join the ranks of the league’s winning teams, this deal should appeal to them.
On the Utah Jazz’s end, they’re reuniting with former franchise star Gordon Hayward. That’s nice, but it’s not really the point here. They’re absorbing his contract for the sake of adding P.J. Washington and a first-round pick.
That’s a great return for the suddenly rebuilding Jazz. Washington is a multipositional, floor-spacing forward who can man the 5 in small-ball lineups. At 23, he’s a great target for a rebuilding team. Meanwhile, a first-round pick is a first-round pick.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Bulls, Hawks, Raptors Teams Most Interested In Jazz Star Rudy Gobert Trade
If Donovan Mitchell forces his way out of town this summer, the Jazz are going to need a lot of those.
