One NBA writer is proposing that the Dallas Mavericks acquire Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets in a bold trade. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Mavericks and Hornets:
The Trade: Gordon Hayward to the Dallas Mavericks for Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, Jaden Hardy and a 2025 second-round pick (via TOR)
“While the Mavs have a pair of elite shot-creators in Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, they might be looking for one more needle-mover on offense,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “Hayward may not be the player he once was, but he could be a useful third option on a good team. Dallas might have nightly worries about whether Irving and Hayward will play, but this offense would be a beauty at full strength.
“If Charlotte did this deal, its primary motivation would be adding Hardy, a 21-year-old who popped for 21.4 points per 36 minutes on 43.8/40.4/82.3 shooting in his rookie season. If nothing else, his scoring punch would take some heat away from LaMelo Ball. Hardaway and Holmes are overpaid, but each could work their way into this rotation should the Hornets seek competitiveness next season.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Hayward appeared in 50 games for the Hornets last season. He averaged 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 47.5% from the field, 32.5% from beyond the arc and 81.1% from the free-throw line. The 33-year-old will make $31.5 million next season and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024.
Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Hornets in November 2020. The one-time NBA All-Star has career averages of 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 784 NBA games with the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics and Hornets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report thinks a contender “might be willing to rent Hayward’s services for a late first or prospect languishing on that team’s bench.” Maybe that team will be the Mavericks.
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