3 NBA teams who already look like they need a trade

NBA teams already looking like they need a trade: Charlotte Hornets

Taking into consideration that they’ve been playing without their star player in LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets have some moves they need to consider for when Ball returns. It’s easier said than done, but they have to find a team to buy out Gordon Hayward’s contract. He is not a terrible player, but he is nowhere near $30 million yearly salary worth.

Why does moving on from Gordon Hayward make sense?

His contract isn’t up until 2024 and if the Hornets want to keep their star guard Ball happy, they need to get some winning pieces around him as soon as possible. Moving Hayward and his massive contract would be a great starting point. It’s been overdue for at least a year or two.

Whether it’s the Los Angeles Lakers or the Boston Celtics, forward P.J. Washington has been linked to a couple of teams as well who are interested in acquiring him. Rumors began to circulate last season when HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto proclaimed that Washington’s name was brought up in discussions in a rumored deal for Myles Turner.

Fast-forward to this season, and under new coach Steve Clifford, Washington has received a slight bump in his minutes-per-game and he has been playing better in his new role.

So, why is he being mentioned in trade rumors? It’s likely because he is only making $5.8 million this season and is only under contract through next season. This means the Hornets have yet to commit to him long-term, and for a 24-year-old player that has established himself as a full-time starter in the league, he deserves to be paid like it.

If Washington isn’t part of the Hornets’ plan for the future, it’s better to move Washington sooner rather than later. That way, when Ball returns, you have your roster in place and you can then focus on gaining chemistry with the new players.