The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to trade for a star player. That’s reasonable enough. This team made headlines around the NBA when they traded James Harden. When an NBA team trades a star, typically, the end goal is to receive a star in return.
Sixers general manager Daryl Morey is well aware of those principles. He’s made an entire career out of trading for stars. So, the return that he received for Harden was puzzling to some. Morey didn’t get a star back – he simply got assets.
So? Morey can flip those assets for stars. With that said, the Sixers have been formidable even without Harden. They could hang onto those assets and make a trade for a lesser player.
How about Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal: Philadelphia 76ers Land Charlotte Hornets’ Gordon Hayward
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Robert Covington, 2024 Second-Round Pick (NYK via CHA), 2028 Second-Round Pick (CHA)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Gordon Hayward
When an NBA team trades for a star, typically, the end goal is to receive a star in return. That doesn’t mean that the path to that star will be the same for everybody. For example, just look at the various trades that teams have made involving Harden over the years.
When the Houston Rockets traded Harden, there were rumored options. It was said that Ben Simmons, Jaylen Brown, or Michael Porter Jr. could be available.
The Rockets opted for a package featuring nothing but draft capital instead. They wanted a star, but they wanted to land one through the draft. So far, only Brown could potentially make the Rockets regret their course.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Alternatively, the Brooklyn Nets did trade Harden for Simmons. Surely, they hoped that Simmons would round back into his previous star form. So far, he hasn’t.
Should the Sixers trade for a former star in Hayward?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Well, the Sixers won’t be hoping that Hayward will get back to stardom. That ship has sailed. That’s part of the point here – the Sixers don’t need a star. Hayward would be behind Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and perhaps even Tobias Harris in this team’s pecking order.
With that said, Hayward is still a valuable player. He’s a solid playmaker who can space the floor. In simple terms, he’s the most dynamic offensive player in this deal. He should make the Sixers a better team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
After all, Covington is expendable to the Sixers. Nicolas Batum can cover his role. Flipping this package for Hayward would diversify the Sixers. Moreover, they’d still have most of what they received for Harden left to make another big trade down the line.
Should the Hornets set Philly up for success?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Hayward is still valuable. With that said, it feels like his time in Charlotte is up. He’s on an expiring contract. For a team with a title window like the Sixers, that’s fine. On the other hand, the Hornets do not have a title window.
So, in some respects, they’re simply moving him to receive something for him. A pair of second-round picks may not be a haul, but these are assets. Still, it feels possible that this deal could make the Hornets a better team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
After all, the Hornets feature a ball-dominant point guard in LaMelo Ball. Terry Rozier is best with the rock as well. Covington is a better defender than Hayward, so he may have more utility for a team that doesn’t need his playmaking anyway – even if he isn’t a star.
