Phoenix Suns Receive: F Gordon Hayward, F/C P.J. Washington, 2023 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2024 First-Round Pick (Swap – CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Deandre Ayton, G Landry Shamet
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C/F Dario Saric, 2023 Second-Round Pick (OKC, WAS, DAL or MIA), 2023 Second-Round Pick (UTA)
Speaking of plans, the Charlotte Hornets were also expected to seek a starting-caliber big man this summer. Arguably, they already did.
The Hornets selected Duke big man Mark Williams with the 15th overall pick in the 2022 draft. By all accounts, Williams is a winner. He’s likely to have a long, fruitful NBA career.
With that said, are the Hornets really going to lean on a rookie in their starting lineup? In all likelihood, that depends on their aspirations for 2022-23.
With the Bridges setback, they may be able to justify acting like a rebuilding team. That would mean standing pat or perhaps moving veterans like Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier.
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The San Antonio Spurs’ involvement would purely be to use their cap space to get compensated for taking on Dario Saric’s expiring contract. The two sides could engage in buyout negotiations after.
Having said that, this team may have an appetite for success. After all, it’s something that’s eluded them for some time. Does acquiring Ayton guarantee them enough of it?
