One NBA writer is proposing that the Miami Heat acquire Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets in a blockbuster trade. Lee Tran of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Heat and Hornets:
Miami Heat Receive: Gordon Hayward
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Kyle Lowry, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Second-Round Pick
“Even though Gordon Hayward is clearly no longer an All-Star player, he is still an elite role player who has a versatile skill set,” Tran wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “Last season, Gordon Hayward averaged 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Though he struggled with his 3PT last season (32.5%), that is likely to be an outlier season, as his career 3PT percentage is 36.9%.
“At his best, Gordon Hayward is a forward who can do a little bit of everything: he’s a solid shooter, passer, and shot-creator. His 6’7 frame also means that he can play multiple positions: in theory, he could be a good player to start at the PF position next to Bam Adebayo.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Miami Heat, 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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets Updates
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.
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 Heat.
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