Every team around the NBA is busy taking stock of their situation. This is the offseason. With that in mind, some situations are more favourable than others.
For example, the Charlotte Hornets can, at times, appear to be a mess. Drama seems to have a way of following this team. This summer has been no exception. Recently, Kai Jones took to social media to put down some of his teammates. Meanwhile, the Hornets will be bringing Miles Bridges back this year. Finally, Gordon Hayward has long been rumoured to be unhappy in Charlotte.
How’s the situation in Cleveland? It depends on who you ask. The Cavaliers aren’t as volatile as the Hornets, but there are rumours about this team. The Cavaliers are said to be shopping Jarrett Allen, and Donovan Mitchell is rumoured to be looking for a way out of town. Should the Cavaliers make a trade for Hayward?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Caris LeVert, G/F Isaac Okoro, G Ricky Rubio
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, 2024 Second-Round Pick (BOS via CHA), 2027 Second-Round Pick (CHA)
Yet, these situations are different. In some ways, these teams are in opposite places. The Cavaliers arguably have roster construction issues. The Hornets do not – but they may have a problem with team culture.
After all, their roster is well-constructed. The Hornets deliberately avoided Scoot Henderson with the second overall pick in this year’s draft. Many pundits expected Henderson to go second overall. The Hornets, with LaMelo Ball on their roster, opted for Brandon Miller instead. Now, this team has a nice, well-balanced, talented young roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Do the Cavaliers? It’s debatable. They certainly have a lot of talent, and they’re mostly young as well. With that said, one might not describe this roster as “well-balanced”. The Cavaliers are too big in the front court, too small in the backcourt, and they’ve got a weak wing rotation. Does Hayward do enough to help?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Yes. This deal is all about roster construction for the Cavaliers. This team needs a big wing – full stop. Hayward fits the bill. Of course, they’re not exclusively acquiring Hayward for his size. This is a good NBA player.
Is Hayward the star that he was on the Jazz? No. He never will be again. Still, he’s a good playmaking wing who spaces the floor. The Cavaliers need a player like this, and here, they’re getting one. Is he worth the price they’re paying?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
We think so. As talented as LeVert is, he’s prone to long bouts of inefficiency. Okoro hasn’t necessarily worked out for them, and Rubio is taking a year (or more) to step away from basketball. Should the Hornets have any interest in these players?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
For the most part, the Hornets are doing this deal for Okoro. The rest is window dressing. He hasn’t lived up to expectations in Cleveland, but for a young team like Charlotte, he’s worth taking a flier on. If he hits his ceiling, he’ll be a meaningful part of this team’s rotation.
With that said, breaking Hayward’s deal into smaller deals could help them as well. In today’s financial climate, teams won’t think twice about acquiring a player with LeVert’s deal. His contract could be instrumental in orchestrating a longer deal down the road.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Finally, if Hayward is truly unhappy, shedding him could have its own value. This team seems to have trouble in its locker room. Getting rid of some of that trouble will have a benefit. All told, this is a fair return for Hayward – it just might improve the Hornet’s situation.
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