If you look around the NBA, some teams just look a little bit unfinished. It’s not that they aren’t talented – they may have a superstar player or two. They just need a little bit more. One of those teams is the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks are good as far as top-end talent is concerned. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are one of the most talented duos in the league. Yet, this team’s supporting cast is lacking. The Mavericks need to put a better group around their star duo.
Where should they start? The Mavericks have a lot of needs. They could use a big wing in their rotation. They could use some secondary playmaking as well.
Could they target both qualities at once by acquiring Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal — Dallas Mavericks Land Gordon Hayward
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., C Richaun Holmes, 2025 Second-Round PIck (TOR via DAL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (MIA via DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Gordon Hayward
On the other hand, some teams don’t want to be finished. Rebuilding teams don’t mind holes in their roster – they may even embrace them.
After all, those teams are motivated to lose. They may be more concerned with their lottery odds than having a cohesive roster.
Yet, even some rebuilding teams would like to start winning games. A rebuild occurs in cycles. Teams like the Washington Wizards and the Portland Trail Blazers are in the first year of their rebuilds. They don’t need to complete their rosters. What about the Hornets?
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Well, the Hornets would likely prefer to improve this season. They have two recent lottery picks LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and ample talent around them. This team is likely looking to end its rebuilding cycle soon.
Does this deal help them with that goal?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
It may. On the other hand, it may not. The Hornets are giving up the best player in this trade. That’s why they’re getting a pair of second-round picks. That’s a generous return for a player on an expiring deal like Hayward.
On the other hand, this deal could give them a better-fitting roster. Between Miller, Miles Bridges, and P.J. Washington, the Hornets have ample size at their wing positions.
On the other hand, adding some movement shooting could be useful to this deal. Hardaway Jr. might be a sensible addition from that point of view.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Finally, it’s been suggested that Hayward is not happy in Charlotte. This deal could give the Hornets a more harmonious locker room. Given the drama they’ve had in recent years, that could be seen as a meaningful change for their front office.
Would Hayward be happier in Dallas?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
We think so. In all likelihood, Hayward is tired of losing. Meanwhile, Doncic and Irving have spent an entire summer figuring out their chemistry. The Mavericks are primed to win big in 2023-24.
Assume they can fill some of those roster holes that is. Hayward helps. He gives them size in the front court, some playmaking, and some floor spacing.
Hayward isn’t the star he once was on the Utah Jazz, but he’s still a good offensive player who can help this team. At this price, he’s worth acquiring.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
After moving Holmes, the Mavericks would have to rely on rookie Dereck Lively III, but he should be fine in a low-usage role. Adding Hayward is worth that cost. After all, he fills a lot of holes in this roster.
