Multiple playoff-caliber teams have called the Charlotte Hornets to gauge Gordon Hayward’s trade availability, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Hayward is making $31.5 million this season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
“Charlotte is focused on getting healthy and competing for a playoff spot now,” Scotto wrote. “However, If Charlotte remains on the outside of the Play-In picture, the Hornets could give No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller more minutes at small forward by moving on from Hayward, who turns 34 years old in March.”
Hayward is averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Hornets this season while shooting 41.1% from the field, 32.4% from beyond the arc and 71.4% from the free-throw line. The 33-year-old has been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets Updates
A one-time All-Star, Hayward has career averages of 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists with the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics and Hornets.
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.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Since he’s a good 3-point shooter, Hayward should be a trade target for several playoff teams. Hayward is a career 36.8% shooter from 3-point land.
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