Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal 

The Knicks have a few reasons to do this deal. They’re acquiring Hayward’s expiring contract. We already mentioned that. The Knicks are getting away from Fournier’s contract, and cleaning up their books in the process. 

Of course, they’re also getting another useful player. Hayward will be a more prominent member of this rotation than either Rose or Fournier. He may not be a star anymore, but he remains a solid playmaking forward. 

Finally, they’re only moving a pick swap. They aren’t losing the trade asset altogether – the Knicks could still trade their swap rights down the road if they wanted to. 

The Knicks could clean up their future salary cap spending obligations while also giving themselves Hayward’s Bird rights, creating the option to exceed the salary cap next summer to re-sign him, if they determine it to be the best option.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, New York Knicks & Charlotte Hornets Updates   

Another angle for the Knicks could be to enter the season with Hayward, then to use his contract for salary matching purposes at the midseason deadline if an opportunity presented itself.

Do those swap rights do enough to entice the Hornets to move Hayward?