Early in the NBA offseason, there was reporting about the Charlotte Hornets potentially pulling off a Gordon Hayward trade to clear the needed money to pay Miles Bridges comfortably.

Bridges was coming off a career-year averaging 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He was set to receive interest from plenty of teams in free agency, even some who were potentially willing to offer max offer sheets. Given his very public domestic abuse allegations and ongoing legal issues, he remains unsigned.

Regardless of what either of us would do as the Hornets GM, it seems clear based on their actions that waiting out Bridges’ legal process is the route they will take. They did not rescind the qualifying offer and LaMelo Ball even publicly endorsed bringing Bridges back.

It remains to be seen how much Bridges would be able to negotiate on his next contract if he ends up being able to return to the NBA, but regardless, moving Hayward’s contract would make sense for the Hornets to do.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Brooklyn Nets Updates

One team that could benefit from taking on Hayward’s contract is the Brooklyn Nets. They do not have long to compete for an NBA title with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at the helm and acquiring Hayward would align with their urgent timeline.

Here is an NBA trade scenario that would send Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets to the Brooklyn Nets.