The Charlotte Hornets gifted Gordon Hayward with a four-year $120 million dollar deal back in 2020. The 32-year-old forward has had some good moments with the Hornets and provided this young team with a calming presence on the floor with LaMelo Ball. A guy that knows how to play the right way and can elevate their efficiency on both sides of the ball, but only when he's available.
After finishing up year two with the Hornets, Hayward has only played 93 out of 164 possible games. He is still too injury prone, which is why the Hornets should explore some possible trade scenarios.
3 reasons Hornets should trade Gordon Hayward in 2022 NBA offseason
Not Reliable
As mentioned above, Hayward just can't stay on the court, plain and simple. If he's only guaranteed to play half of the number of games in the season, what's the point of trying to hang on to somebody like that? This is especially the case when the Hornets need him to play in the bulk of those games to become a valid playoff threat. In two straight seasons, the Hornets have been in the playoff picture before Hayward went down. Once he did, the fate of their season spiraled out of control.
His teammates love playing with him and they know his worth, but there has to be some type of frustration with one of your leaders not being available when you need him the most. Sure, the Hornets did well to make it to the Play-In tournament, but they had the potential to be a top-six seed before Hayward was basically shut down for the season. The best ability is availability and Hayward has shown he can be there when his team needs him the most.
His Fit is Questionable
With Hayward missing so many games, the world got to see two Hornets players come into their own as bonafide stars. Ball made his first All-Star game and Miles Bridges took a huge leap in his game in large part to Hayward being in and out of the lineup. Bridges spent more time at his natural position, small forward, rather than being a small-ball power forward or center. With that being done, he was able to really flourish in the open floor and in the half-court. He will be getting a massive contract for his improvements.
If they were to reinsert Hayward now, it can very well throw off the rhythm of the offense. Head coach James Borrego would have to find a way to reincorporate him back into the offense. This isn't impossible, but maybe not as effective for the team overall. The Hornets might be able to trade him for pieces that can fit what the Hornets would like to do moving forward.
Better For Both Parties
Some fans may view Hayward as damaged goods. Don't get it twisted, he can still play high-level basketball in the right situation. Hayward can still serve as a third or fourth option for a good team. He can still be a starter that plays fewer minutes or even be the sixth man off the bench. There is definitely some good basketball left in his body but it's just time for the team to move on.
The Hornets may be able to flip him for more defensive-minded pieces. In the Play-In game against the Atlanta Hawks, they were completely outplayed by their explosive offense. Maybe they can use him as a trading piece for someone like Rudy Gobert in a three-team deal with all the drama that's going on in Utah with him and Donovan Mitchell. Anyone that fits that mold could be perfect for the Hornets.
Both Hayward and the Hornets can find a way to make this a win-win situation. Charlotte took a chance on him after he suffered that gruesome leg injury and he has had great moments. Plus, he has shown he can play at an elite level when healthy. He's also helped the young core improve as a whole. Both sides have benefited from their partnership. Now it's time to end it.
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