NBA Trades: 3 Gordon Hayward trades for the Hornets to consider

NBA Trades: 3 Gordon Hayward trades for the Hornets to consider: New Orleans Pelicans

Pelicans receive: Gordon Hayward, Ish Smith

Hornets receive: Josh Hart, Jaxson Hayes, Tomas Satoransky, 2022 Second-Round Pick

This trade is a weird one at first glance, but based on recent NBA rumors, it makes some sense. The New Orleans Pelicans add a veteran presence while the Charlotte Hornets get a bit younger and a bit cheaper.

All of the rumors leading up to the trade deadline indicate that the Pelicans are looking for a veteran guard to add by the deadline. While Hayward isn’t a guard, he would definitely be a nice veteran presence on the team.

They want to make a serious push for the playoffs when Zion Williamson returns. Hayward would certainly help with that and could (in a very lengthy lineup) probably still start next to Brandon Ingram and Williamson.

As for the Hornets, they would get a decent haul in this trade. Josh Hart would be the prize, as he’s a bit younger, much cheaper, and would fit in well with the Hornets’ roster.

They would also get to give Jaxson Hayes a chance to revitalize his career alongside an elite playmaker in LaMelo Ball. He’s not a great center, but he’s young, athletic, and still has some potential to improve.

Lastly, they would have to take on the Tomas Satoransky contract but would also receive a 2022 second-round pick in the deal as well.

There’s a chance the Pelicans wouldn’t be interested because they want a guard and only a guard, but this deal helps them improve for sure. New Orleans would get more experience while the Hornets would get younger and shed some salary.