Around the NBA, there are players on questionable contracts. None of them are unmoveable. Will some be harder to move than others? Absolutely. Still, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Any contract can be moved for the right price.
For example, take Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets. It wouldn’t be controversial to say that he’s overpaid. Hayward makes more money relative to his peers than he ought to.
He’s still a quality NBA player. Frankly, the Hornets could probably move him relatively easily if they wanted to. Here’s a deal that sends him to the Los Angeles Clippers, for example.
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Robert Covington
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F Gordon Hayward
Is it better to have a number of questionable contracts, or one bigger one? We can’t answer that question in a vacuum. It depends on the contracts and the situation that the team is in. As always, context is key.
For example, the very worst contract in the NBA may be nearly impossible to move. If that player is on one of the worst teams in the league, it’s a moot point. They can operate with minimal cap space.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Los Angeles Clippers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
On the other hand, a contending team with several negative contracts lacks flexibility. This has been the situation for the Clippers in recent years. This team’s cap sheet is filled with big contracts for relatively small-time players. Does this deal help clear up their mess?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Well, all of the contracts in this deal will expire after next season. In that window, this doesn’t change anything for either of these teams.
In fact, it may limit the Clippers’ flexibility even more. Either Morris Sr. or Covington would be easier to move individually than Hayward. Are we sure about this?
Here’s the deal: Hayward is the best player in this deal. No, he’s not the star-caliber player that he once was. He remains the best offensive player in this group. Hayward’s playmaking remains a valuable asset to his team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Los Angeles Clippers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
That’s key for the Clippers. Following this deal, they’ll have a little more leeway to rest either Kawhi Leonard or Paul George. When all three are healthy, Hayward can carry the second unit. Should the Hornets send the Clippers such a useful player?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Los Angeles Clippers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Meanwhile, teams don’t only need to manage their cap sheet. They also need to manage their rotation. That’s a large part of this deal for the Hornets. The team just selected Brandon Miller. He plays the same position as Hayward. Here, the Hornets are clearing a path for their lottery pick.
Of course, they’re getting two solid players here as well. Morris Sr. can function as a floor-spacing 5 in small lineups. In that sense, he could replace PJ Washington if he departs in free agency.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Los Angeles Clippers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
In fact, Covington’s versatile defense covers for Washington’s departure as well. Still, even if the Hornets retain Washington, adding two wings to bolster their depth isn’t a bad move. The fact that they’re each on expiring contracts doesn’t hurt either.
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