The 2023 NBA Draft has come and gone, which simply means that the trade and free agency season has arrived. Gordon Hayward is one name to keep a very close eye on, as the Hornets are still very much in the middle of a rebuild. Both the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers could be potential trade suitors for Hayward if he becomes available.
Hayward has always been one of the more underrated borderline stars in the NBA. He is a quality scorer, great teammate, great leader, and all-around solid player. Both the Knicks and Pacers could use a forward like Hayward in their lineups.
Granted, there is no guarantee that the Hornets are going to want to trade Hayward. They may view his veteran leadership as extremely important moving forward. He could end up becoming a great veteran mentor for No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers Updates
All of that being said, FanSided recently wrote about potential destinations for Hayward. Both the Knicks and Pacers were mentioned as his best potential trade suitors.
“The New York Knicks could be a very interesting option for Hayward. New York needs more offense, and Hayward could fit that bill,” Jonathan Lurensky wrote. “They could match salaries by offering Evan Fournier and Isaiah Hartenstein in a trade. They have plenty of picks to offer in a trade as well. While some of those picks are heavily protected, it is not like Hayward has a crazy amount of value.”
“Another team that could be interested in Hayward would be the Pacers. Although the team did end up drafting Jarace Walker in this year’s draft, they could still be looking for the veteran wing that they were searching for before the draft,” Lurensky explained
On the outside looking in, Hayward could be the missing piece for both of these teams.
For the Knicks, being able to add a talent like Hayward in the front-court to compliment Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle would be a huge addition. He would add scoring, shooting, and stable consistent play to a team that is on the verge of becoming a serious contender.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers Updates
As for the Pacers, he would be making a long-awaited homecoming to Indiana. The Pacers almost acquired Hayward a few years back, but could not agree to a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics. Hayward would immediately slide in as the team’s starting power forward and would add a nice skill-set alongside Tyrese Haliburton.
Expect to hear more rumors and speculation about Gordon Hayward’s future with the Hornets. He may not be moved, but he’s certainly a name to keep a close eye on.
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