Hornets forward Gordon Hayward is a name to watch in the trade market, though injuries limit his value, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, who conducted a podcast with Charlotte Observer beat reporter Rod Boone.
Hayward is regarded as a “neutral asset” that the Hornets can move. However, it’s unlikely they’ll benefit much in terms of cap space if they deal the veteran, who has two years and $61.5MM remaining on his contract. One executive told Scotto they might be able to move him for two players making around $10-15MM apiece.
The Pacers are an unlikely destination after trading away Domantas Sabonis and building around younger pieces.
More highlights from the podcast:
- Both Scotto and Boone anticipate Miles Bridges will get $25MM or more annually in restricted free agency. Scotto sees Bridges as being coveted due to his status as a young, two-way, big wing. The Trail Blazers could pursue him if they can’t trade for Jerami Grant and teams with cap space, like the Pistons, could also be a factor. Boone believes he’ll return to the Hornets due to unfinished business with an improving team. The fact that he’s close with LaMelo Ball also works in Charlotte’s favor.
- Neither Scotto nor Boone believe Mike D’Antoni is a viable option in the search for a head coach. Former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson, Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney are names to watch there. However, D’Antoni could wind up in Philadelphia if the Sixers let Doc Rivers go, according to Scotto.
- Free agent Montrezl Harrell generally enjoyed playing with Charlotte this season and could return to the Hornets, depending upon the coaching hire. Harrell probably wouldn’t command more than the taxpayer mid-level on the open market, according to Scotto.
- P.J. Washington, who is extension-eligible, is a movable piece and his name will pop up in trade rumors.
While I would like to change from Doc, I would prefer to Sam Cassell get the job or even Jay Wright
Jay would be the dream, either way I want no part of MDA as HC
Bridges and $25m per is a no brainer. Kid is good on both sides of the court. As for Hayward, it’s just one of those things that teams don’t learn from – bad contract on a player with a history of injuries and to some level overhype. Moving him with draft picks to a bottom feeder (Houston?) who may have enough cap space and use those new found dollars are FAs that matter. Regurgitating mid level players at overpriced dollars won’t help in the long run.
Oh so many people on here took the celtics to task for not overpaying on Hayward. Two years later boston is contending for a chip and Hayward is on his couch.
It was always heralded as an overpay by Charlotte. He was an injury prone guy who got 4 years of near max.
Not on this board dude.
I personally thought Borrego did a good job and was hurt by injuries these last couple of years, but of those names, I think Atkinson makes the mist sense…I also wouldnt trade PJ Washington
Charlotte:
-Trade Gordan Hayward, Mason Plumblee, PJ Washington and first round pick #13 for Rudy Gobert and Rudy Gay.
-Resign Bridges to a 4 year 100mil deal which pays him 25mil a season. (Similar to what Jaylen Brown got)
-Hire Kenny Atkinson as head coach