Gordon Hayward, Charlotte: It warrants mentioning that Charlotte has two huge expiring contracts with veterans Hayward ($31.5 million) and Kyle Lowry ($29.7 million) that could theoretically be the keys to a big deal if the Hornets want to go swinging. Don’t bet on it, though, especially with Charlotte still down a future first from the disastrous Kai Jones trade.
As far as other teams trading assets to acquire Hayward or Lowry, their value isn’t what it once was. Hayward is marginally more attractive than Lowry, but neither is going to get attention at their salary unless a toxic contract goes back to Charlotte. As a result, those seem headed toward a late-February buyout.
Also, the hot rumor in league circles is that the Hornets’ new ownership will make a change in the front office after the trade deadline, so that’s worth keeping an eye on as well.
by OhMyGauche
