During the NBA’s offseason, we’ve got nothing to do but speculate. We don’t know what’s going to happen. There’s every possibility that players will outperform expectations. When they do, they render our speculation moot.
Take Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors. Paul showed signs of age-related decline last year. As a pick-and-roll dominant playmaker, he’s not a natural fit in the Warriors’ system. On the other hand, Paul is a basketball genius. He and the Warriors could absolutely make this thing work.
Can Gordon Hayward and the Charlotte Hornets? It’s worth noting that the Hornets just drafted a wing in Brandon Miller. They’re also expecting to welcome Miles Bridges back into the fold. There may not be a place left for Hayward on the Hornets. Could they send him to the Warriors?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets receive: G Chris Paul, 2026 Second-Round Pick (ATL via CHA), 2028 Second-Round Pick (ATL via CHA)
Golden State Warriors receive: F Gordon Hayward
After all, no team plans for failure. When a team acquires a player, they likely have a vision for them. On the other hand, some players are acquired out of desperation. They may have a vision – but it’s a vision that’s merely better than a bad alternative.
It feels like that’s why the Warriors acquired Paul. It clearly wasn’t working with Jordan Poole. There are character concerns about Poole, and we know he wasn’t getting along with all of his teammates. We’ll leave it at that – if you’re an NBA fan, you know what we’re referring to.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Golden State Warriors Updates
Poole’s trade value hit an all-time low. The Warriors felt that they had to trade him anyway. So, now they have Paul. Time will tell whether he works out with the organization. If he doesn’t, could they send him to the Hornets?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
From the Warriors’ perspective, this is a simple win-now upgrade. Paul is old, and he’s not getting any younger. It’s rational to assume that he’s about to have his worst season as an NBA player. By contrast, that isn’t the case for Hayward.
Granted, Hayward won’t be the player that he used to be. At one time, he was a rising star in the NBA. Still, Hayward is solid. He provides some floor spacing and some secondary playmaking. Hayward is a good NBA player, and that isn’t likely to change in 2023-24.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Golden State Warriors Updates
In all likelihood, he’d carry the Warriors’ second unit. That’s what Poole was supposed to do, it’s what the Warriors are hoping Paul will do too. Simply put, the Warriors are trading a sixth man for a better sixth man here. Should the Hornets help them make that upgrade?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
The Hornets’ roster construction suggests that they’re ready to move on from Hayward. Meanwhile, it’s been suggested that Hayward is ready to move on as well. It’s been rumored that Hayward would like a change of scenery. If that’s true, it’s reason enough to move him.
He’s not going to fetch the Hornets a huge haul. Hayward is on an expiring contract – any team acquiring him is only taking a flier. With that in mind, this is a good return. We’ve seen the value of second-round picks in recent years. If you’re willing to move enough of them, you can land a solid rotation player.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Golden State Warriors Updates
Meanwhile,. Paul is an appealing backup for LaMelo Ball. He can provide some mentorship, and share the floor with Ball when need be as well. All told, this is a good deal for the Hornets – unless things change, of course.
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