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NBA rumors: Gordon Hayward could be a big trade target this offseason

By Jonathan Lurensky

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 20: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates after dunking the ball in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 20, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 20: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates after dunking the ball in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 20, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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The Hornets loaded up on young talent in the NBA Draft, which could put veteran wing Gordon Hayward squarely on the trade market.

According to Cydeny Henderson of USA Today, the Hornets could end up trading Gordan Hayward this offseason. Hayward only has one more year left. His salary is a bit pricy but he could be viewed as a way for a team to get off a bad contract while getting an upgrade for their bench.

As Henderson mentions the team drafted Brandon Miller with the second overall pick in this year’s draft. Obviously, when you draft a player with a high pick, you expected that player to start going forward. With that in mind, it might be time for Hayward to find a new destination where he is able to have more of a long-term future with that organization.

What teams could try to trade for Gordon Hayward?

The New York Knicks could be a very interesting option for Hayward. New York needs more offense and Hayward could fit that bill. They could match salaries by offering Evan Fournier and Isaiah Hartenstein in a trade. They have plenty of picks to offer in a trade as well. While some of those picks are heavily protected, it is not like Hayward has a crazy amount of value.

Another team that could be interested in Hayward would be the Pacers. Although the team did end up drafting Jarace Walker in this year’s draft, they could still be looking for the veteran wing that they were searching for before the draft.

Indiana doesn’t really need to send out much in a trade to make a deal work based on the fact that they have tons of cap space this offseason. Still, the team probably does not want to trade assets for a player when they can find a similar wing in free agency. If Indiana whiffs out in free agency, this would make a lot of sense for the team.

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