The Charlotte Hornets are a mess.
Charlotte (8-28) is on pace to have its worst season since 2004-05, when they finished the season with an 18-64 record. The Hornets have lost four straight and 15 of 16 as they head into tonight’s contest against the Miami Heat. Four of the last five losses have been by double figures. The Hornets have been outscored by 61 points in their previous two contests, falling to San Antonio (135-99) and Sacramento (123-98).
Moreover, Charlotte has an NBA-high 19 losses by double-digits. The Hornets are also the only team not to have a 10-point win this year.
NBA Rumors: Charlotte Hornets Gordon Hayward Is Available For Trade
Surprisingly, there has been little noise from their camp, as the NBA trade deadline is less than a month away. The lone exception is recent chatter about Gordon Hayward.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports spoke with Kevin Gray of 97.1 The Freak yesterday about the moves that Charlotte could make.
“He’s a wing player that is absolutely for the taking that I think — on an expiring contract — has more likelihood than ever to get moved. That being said, because of the expiring, a lot of teams are looking at Hayward as a buyout possibility.”
“Gordon Hayward is absolutely for the taking, that on an expiring contract has more likelihood than ever to get moved…
A lot of teams are also looking at Hayward as a buyout possibility.”
(via @JakeLFischer) pic.twitter.com/ni8rBhOIV7
— The Trade Deadline (@_TradeDeadline) January 13, 2024
Hayward is making $31.5 million in the final year of his deal.
Which Teams Could Be Interested In Hayward?
Hayward is having a good season and could be a solid addition to a playoff contender off the bench. The 34-year-old forward is a solid shooter, though his 3-point shooting has slightly dropped. He is also a decent rebounder. However, the main thing Hayward would bring to a contender, besides being a reliable scorer, is his playmaking.
Hayward has scored in double-digits in 17 of his 25 games, topping the 20-point plateau eight times. He is averaging 14.5 points with a shooting slash line of .455/.369/.823. The 14-year-old vet also compiles 4.7 rebounds, 4,6 assists, and 1.0 steals.
As Fischer pointed out, Hayward may not have a trade market. Not only is Hayward a buyout candidate, but he is also injury-prone. The former all-star has played at most 52 games since 2018-19. He has missed 13 games this year, including the last nine with a calf injury.
Hayward also has a 15% trade kicker in his contract.
Who would be interested in Hayward in a trade or on the buyout market?
The New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and New Orleans Pelicans all come to mind.
Is Terry Rozier On The Market?
While there has yet to be any word on whether Terry Rozier will be headed out of the Queen City, teams will likely ask about the diminutive guard, who is an absolute bucket-getter.
Rozier has been in Charlotte since the summer of 2019. The 29-year-old combo guard is amid a career year nearly across the board. He is averaging 23.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while producing a shooting slash line of .462/,370/.868 this season.
Rozier has scored in double-figures in 24 of his 25 appearances, including 19 games of 20+ points and six of 30 or more. He also has produced three double-doubles.
If Rozier does become available, ESPN’s Zach Lowe likes the Miami Heat making a move for him.
“The reason I like Rozier to them…I don’t know if the Kyle Lowry thing has run its course, but it’s a $29 million (contract) expiring, and the thing that I think Miami just needs to make another run like they made last year, I think they just need another guy who can pop off for 25 points in a game where Jimmy is playing more of an all-around game or Bam (Adebayo) is cold. And obviously, (Tyler) Herro can be that guy. I like the juice a guy like Rozier would bring. He’s averaging like 24 a game on good shooting. He’s a proven late-game shot-maker.”
Meanwhile, Jovan Buha of The Athletic mentioned the Los Angeles Lakers as a landing spot.
