Every NBA career is different. There are countless factors that can change a player’s trajectory. Injuries are perhaps the most prominent one. A devastating injury can knock a player off course. Just ask Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets.
At one time, Hayward was a star. Unfortunately, a devastating injury put an end to those days. Still, give Hayward credit: he could have retired.
He didn’t. To this day, Hayward is still a productive player. With that in mind, it feels like he’s due for a change of scenery. Could he join the Indiana Pacers?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Buddy Hield, F/C Daniel Theis
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Gordon Hayward
Meanwhile, there are players across the league who are hoping injuries don’t spoil their stardom. LaMelo Ball is one of them. In 2022-23, Ball spent most of his season on the sidelines. Now, the Hornets can only hope that this doesn’t become a trend.
It’s become one for his brother. Lonzo Ball was on pace to have a fantastic NBA career. Now, it’s looking doubtful that he’ll be able to get back on track.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Indiana Pacers Updates
Is that relevant to LaMelo? Ask a doctor. We’re not sure if there’s a genetic disposition to injury in their family. With that said, the Hornets need to operate as if Ball will be healthy moving forward. Does this deal maximize his skills?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Well, we already know that the Hornets see the value in putting floor spacing around Ball. After all, this team selected Brandon Miller with the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Plenty of general managers around the league would have gone with Scoot Henderson. The Hornets invested in Ball instead.
With that in mind, why not flip Hayward for one of the best floor spacers in the NBA? Hield doesn’t do much outside of shooting, but he knocks down triples as regularly as anyone in the league.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Indiana Pacers Updates
Meanwhile, Theis provides them with a stretch big that they don’t currently have. if they let P.J. Washington walk in free agency, he could be a replacement. Can the Pacers replace Hield?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
In some ways, this is a strange trade. Both of these teams are built around a young point guard who’s an elite shooter and playmaker. Why should they have different priorities? Table that question. We know the Pacers want to upgrade on the wings.
They’ve been linked to plenty of players who can spend time at the 4. We’re just giving them what they want. Meanwhile, teams in similar situations may not have similar views on how to maximize them. The Hornets may favor a more heliocentric build around Ball.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Indiana Pacers Updates
By contrast, the Pacers may want some extra playmaking. They’re getting it here. Hayward is a solid secondary playmaker who will make life easier for Tyrese Haliburton. Provided, of course, that nothing knocks him off track.
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