The Oklahoma City Thunder are a team on the rise. The rest of the NBA ought to be afraid. It’s hard to name a team in a better position moving forward. The Thunder have got it all.
Young talent? Check. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is already producing at an MVP level. Chet Holmgren hasn’t even suited up for an NBA game yet. Meanwhile, young players like Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and others have tremendous potential. Draft capital? Check, check, and double-check. The Thunder have the most future first-round picks that a team has ever had at their disposal.
Veterans? Sure, the Thunder have some. They could probably use a little more experience on this roster. The Thunder don’t have to break the bank on a star. They could spend some second-round picks on a useful veteran instead. How about Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Victor Oladipo, 2024 Second-Round PIck (HOU via OKC), 2025 Second-Round Pick (PHI via OKC), 2026 Second-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F Gordon Hayward
The Charlotte Hornets are…a team? We’re not sure if they’re on the rise or not. Talent isn’t the issue here: the Hornets have plenty of it. LaMelo Ball is a superstar. The Hornets just selected Brandon Miller with the second overall pick. On the other hand, this team may have some cultural issues that they need to contend with.
Miles Bridges is set to return after serving a year-long suspension. The actions that led to that suspension were atrocious. Miller had legal issues during his college career. Most recently, Kai Jones took to social media and, to put it politely, was acting strange. What’s going on in Charlotte?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
We’re not sure. Whatever it is, the Hornets need to get their house in order. On top of all of this, it’s been rumored that Hayward would like a change of scenery. Should the Hornets send him to the Thunder?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Sure. Let’s be honest – this is a fairly inconsequential deal for the Hornets. Hayward is aging. He hasn’t been the same since a devastating injury. He’s also on an expiring contract. The Hornets aren’t going to get a massive return in exchange for the veteran wing.
With that in mind, don’t sell the value of second-round picks short. At this year’s deadline, we saw teams use them to make some meaningful trades. For the Hornets, adding to their collection is worth the cost of taking on an extra year of salary in Bertans. The Hornets could use these assets.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Speaking of Bertans: he could crack this team’s rotation. Bertans is a defensive liability, but he remains an elite floor spacer at the 4. If Oladipo can return to form, he could be a contributor as well. If not, he’s on an expiring deal as well. Should the Thunder send him to the Hornets?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
A team in the Thunder’s position has a lot of options. They need to choose carefully. Taking measures to improve this roster would be wise, but it could come at the expense of the development of their young core. If the Thunder were going to trade for a star, they’d have to be sure that he was worth that cost.
By contrast, Hayward shouldn’t get in the way. This is not a player who’s going to command a massive usage rate in Oklahoma City. With that said, Hayward is still capable of contributing. He may not be the star player that he used to be, but he’s still a quality NBA player.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Specifically, Hayward provides some floor spacing and playmaking. He’s a utility player who can fit into a lot of team concepts. The Thunder can work him into their rotation in an effort to make a playoff run. If they like what they see from him, they could sign him to a much smaller contract next summer. All told, this deal could help the Thunder continue to ascend up the NBA standings.
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