- This proposed trade has the Miami Heat acquire Gordon Hayward
- The Miami Heat get a solid role player in this scenario
- The Charlotte Hornets get a solid value package
The Miami Heat are a team that made it to the NBA Finals this season, and there is no doubt that they were an elite defensive team that also had elite 3PT shooting. Still, the overall offense was clearly a struggle for them in the postseason, and their weaknesses on that end of the floor were particularly visible against the Denver Nuggets.
This summer, we have seen the Miami Heat pursue Damian Lillard. This far, that has been fruitless, and many believe that they do not have the assets to land a superstar of that level. However, there are definitely quality offensive players that the team could target ahead of the start of the season. One of those players is Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward. Here is a potential trade framework:
Miami Heat Receive: Gordon Hayward
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Kyle Lowry, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Second-Round Pick
This would definitely be an interesting move for both the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat, and Hayward could definitely become an impactful contributor to the Heat, who have a track record of getting the best out of veteran players. Here is why this trade makes sense for both the Heat and the Hornets.
The Miami Heat Acquire A Versatile Forward
Even though Gordon Hayward is clearly no longer an All-Star player, he is still an elite role player who has a versatile skill set. Last season, Gordon Hayward averaged 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Though he struggled with his 3PT last season (32.5%), that is likely to be an outlier season, as his career 3PT percentage is 36.9%. At his best Gordon Hayward is a forward who can do a little bit of everything: he’s a solid shooter, passer, and shot-creator. His 6’7 frame also means that he can play multiple positions: in theory, he could be a good player to start at the PF position next to Bam Adebayo.
In the last few seasons, the Charlotte Hornets have prioritized the development of younger players, and it is fair to say that Hayward took a step back to allow that to happen. On the Miami Heat, he would likely be the fourth-best player on the squad and would enjoy a much larger role than he has.
The reason that the Miami Heat would be able to acquire Gordon Hayward at a lower price point is due to his contract situation, as the forward is on an expiring $31.5 million deal. That also means that Gordon Hayward could end up leaving the Miami Heat in 2024 free agency. However, the Heat would also have a good chance to re-sign him, as they are a contending franchise in a big market. There would be no reason for Hayward to leave.
Gordon Hayward is realistically a player that the Miami Heat could acquire given their limited assets right now. He would be a good fit with the franchise and improve their offense, which is ultimately the goal in any trade the Heat do.
The Charlotte Hornets Get A Solid Return For A Player On An Expiring Contract
Gordon Hayward’s expiring contract means that the Charlotte Hornets could lose him in 2024 without getting any sort of return. If he doesn’t want to sign an extension with the squad or the Hornets decide not to keep him, then the optimal move is to trade him. The Miami Heat would provide decent value with a trade package, with the Hornets receiving an expiring contract, a prospect, and draft compensation.
The key return for the Hornets here is forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., who profiles as a solid defensive wing as of right now. Though the team has power forward P.J. Washington and wing Brandon Miller for the long term, Miles Bridges is a threat to leave at the end of the season. Getting Jaquez Jr. in this deal would ensure the team has insurance for if Bridges decides to move on. At UCLA, Jaime Jaquez Jr. showed that he is a player who has a good feel for the game and can defend multiple positions, and if he improves his 3PT shooting, he could become a good 3 and D wing.
Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract would ensure that the Charlotte Hornets won’t have to take on any long-term salary in exchange for Gordon Hayward. The veteran could play the role of veteran leader on the squad, and he could show the young players on the squad what it takes to play championship-level basketball. However, if he does not wish to play such a role, the team could decide to buy out his contract.
The second-round pick would be a sweetener in this deal. It is unlikely that the Heat would give up a first-round pick to the Hornets, as they are already giving up Jaime Jaquez Jr. in this deal for a player on an expiring contract.
Overall, this is a solid deal for the Charlotte Hornets, as they would be getting a decent return for a veteran who is unlikely to stay in free agency. Though the Charlotte Hornets have not necessarily shopped Hayward as of now, things could change in the future.
The Miami Heat Would Get A Solid Role Player In This Scenario
Since the Miami Heat already lost Gabe Vincent and Max Strus this summer, it makes sense for them to get a player who can fit a role but also do a little more than what is required at times. Gordon Hayward can be an x-factor for the Miami Heat, and Erik Spoelstra would love to have a forward with his skill set.
This trade would be a solid move for the Miami Heat, as it would ensure that they get better without giving up too many assets. Adding an experienced veteran like Hayward will be key to their success next season, and we’ll see who they end up trading for this season.
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