Gordon Hayward has been predicted to be traded by the Charlotte Hornets by an NBA writer. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report thinks a contender will trade for Hayward before the February trade deadline if the small forward is healthy since he believes the Hornets will be “near the bottom of the East.”
“If the Hornets are near the bottom of the East in February, which feels like a real possibility, the front office will likely explore moving veterans like Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward,” Bailey wrote. “If Hayward is still healthy by that point, some contender may be interested in a half-season rental of the versatile forward, who’s on an expiring contract.”
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 floor, 32.5% from beyond the arc and 81.1% from the free-throw line. The 33-year-old will make $31.5 million this season and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Hornets in November 2020. The one-time All-Star has career averages of 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists with the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics and Hornets.
The Hornets are building around LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and PJ Washington. Hayward is better suited to play for a playoff team at this stage of his career since Charlotte is still in rebuild mode. Hayward has career postseason averages of 15.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists with the Jazz and Celtics.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Since he’s a good 3-point shooter, Hayward could be a trade target for a playoff team. Hayward is a career 36.9% shooter from 3-point land.
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