The Hornets are engaged with multiple teams, looking to move Kyle Lowry‘s $29.7MM expiring contract before Thursday’s trade deadline, Marc Stein reports in his latest Substack article.
Lowry was acquired from Miami last month as part of the Terry Rozier deal. The Magic are among the teams that have expressed exploratory trade interest in Lowry, Stein states.
If they’re unable to deal him, the Hornets could look to buy out Lowry. The Sixers and Lakers, as well as the Magic, would have interest in him if he winds up on the buyout market, Stein notes, adding that ncertainty regarding Joel Embiid‘s knee issue would not automatically rule out Philadelphia’s pursuit of Lowry if he’s bought out.
Here’s more tidbits from Stein:
- The Hornets could also deal Gordon Hayward’s expiring $31.5MM contract this week but if he remains on the roster beyond the trade deadline, it’s unlikely a buyout will be pursued. Charlotte hasn’t ruled out re-signing the veteran forward this summer, and if he’s bought him out, Hayward would have to forfeit his Bird rights.
- The Hornets have their sights set on Josh Green if the Mavericks seriously pursue forward P.J. Washington in trade discussions, Stein reports. However, there’s some buzz that the Clippers are also eyeing Washington despite their limited trade assets. The Mavericks are prioritizing power forwards over small forwards as they look to shore up size and defensive issues. They’ve also been linked to the Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma.
- The Bucks have limited resources after all the moves they’ve made in recent years — including the Damian Lillard blockbuster — but they are still very active in the trade market. Milwaukee doesn’t have any first-rounders to deal, while Bobby Portis ($11.7MM this season) and Pat Connaughton ($9.4MM) are the only players making significant money besides the team’s stars who might attract interest in a potential move. However, Stein senses Milwaukee will do something before the deadline.
- The Nuggets are searching for backcourt depth and the Wizards’ Delon Wright is one possibility, according to Stein.
- The Bulls could look to trade Andre Drummond and his modest $3.36MM contract for draft capital, per Stein.
It just cannot be true that the Hornets are considering resigning Hayward…
Unlikely but they can use his Bird Rights to bring back players in a sign and trade.
Why do you say that? Rebuilding teams need vets on the roster and from what I understand he loves Charlotte and most importantly his family does too.
Bird rights are only important to give a big salary increase I thought?
Hayward is seriously overpaid and shouldnt earn more than the mid level exception in my view.
Gordan Hayward for Lonzo Ball and Patrick Williams
Hornets can tank out the year out with Lonzo out and LaMelo banged up. Forget buying Lowry out just run him as your starting point guard. They get to try Patrick Williams before he hits FA. Maybe in a new setting his 3 and D skill set would be better utilised.
Fingers crossed Lonzo can return back to full fitness and the Ball brothers could team up to make a really solid and exciting backcourt. Both have great size, with some defensive ability, both amazing passers and both can hit the 3 ball.
However in the meantime,
Lowry SmithJr Miller Washington MWilliams
Smith McGowens Martin PWilliams Richards
Purposely excluded Bridges as you should definitely be looking to trade him before the deadline.
Why would Chicago do this?
Salary dump Lonzo ….
They are not giving Ball and Williams away for free.
A trade would only happen if Chicago believes he doesnt return to a good level before his contract and they get some good draft compensation.
Ball will be an expiring contract at the end of this season and could be healthy again. Only that will increase his value, so Chicago better waits in trading him.
They would get pennies on the dollar now.
Drummond would be a nice depth piece in Boston, what kind of draft capital are they after?
I said this awhile back and I agree with you. They need a rebounder. Everyone can slide down a position
I’d love to see Drummond back with the Sixers….never thought he needed to be included with head case Simmons…. especially with Embiid out. They don’t rebound well without him.