The Charlotte Hornets are in the middle of having one of the worst seasons of any team in the NBA this year. With the Feb. 9 trade deadline nearing, a team with a 12-34 record naturally becomes the focus of potential trade discussions as sellers.
With the Hornets being in a prime position to land an elite prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft, it becomes all the more advantageous for them to sell at the trade deadline. They have some names that would be intriguing to title contenders.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Hornets are prepared to discuss trades involving key veteran players like Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier, and Kelly Oubre Jr. ahead of the midseason trade deadline.
The Charlotte Hornets have fallen to 12-34 on the season and are positioning for ping pong balls in the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery. Given that, the Hornets are ready to talk trades for some of the veterans on their roster. Charlotte is prepared to talk deals for Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr.
A few concerns arise when evaluating Gordon Hayward as a trade target for any team. It starts with his massive $30.1 million salary for this season and that he will earn $31.5 million in 2023-24. For a player that has experienced diminished production and no shortage of injuries often keeping him sidelined.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Charlotte Hornets, Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier & Kelly Oubre Jr Updates
Terry Rozier doesn’t have a contract considered as being a bargain, either. He is in the first year of a four-year, $96.3 million deal. He has proven to be an effective combo guard that can attack using high ball screens, off-ball actions, in isolation, and generally attacking off the catch, making him a helpful fit for many teams.
The Hornets need to decide Kelly Oubre Jr.‘s future with the organization, as he’s playing on an expiring $12.0 million salary. He underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left hand and hasn’t appeared in a game since Dec. 29, when he suffered the injury.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Charlotte Hornets, Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier & Kelly Oubre Jr Updates
The Hornets would benefit from moving on from their long-term salaries if they can manage to receive a real return in exchange. Perhaps they could use Oubre’s deal to take on a contract that comes with draft compensation by leveraging his expiring salary. However, PJ Washington is a player that is considered likely to remain.
