For several years now, the Charlotte Hornets have dwelled toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and the 2023-24 NBA season is following the same pattern.
The Hornets currently sit at 8-28 and in 13th in the standings, making it a real possibility that they land another top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Despite their record, Charlotte has several veterans on the roster that playoff teams would be interested in adding.
Terry Rozier is having an underrated season and could be a hot name at the trade deadline, while Miles Bridges has also been talked about as a potential target.
Another player to look out for is Gordon Hayward who is playing on the final year of a four-year deal.
Hayward’s injury history is concerning, but the veteran is a solid role player who can still contribute to a good team.
Because he is making over $30 million this year, teams are viewing him more as a possible buyout candidate via Jake Fischer of Yahoo.
“A lot of teams are also looking at Hayward as a buyout possibility,” Fischer said.
“A lot of teams are also looking at Hayward as a buyout possibility.”
– @JakeLFischer on Gordon Hayward
(h/t @_TradeDeadline ) pic.twitter.com/J4XPE7uoyk
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 13, 2024
If Hayward were to get bought out, he would be one of the most sought-after players given what he can do offensively.
While nowhere near the All-Star he used to be, the forward is able to score and facilitate the offense when needed.
That sort of versatility would be valuable on just about any team, though the Hornets would likely try to extract some sort of asset for him instead.
Should Charlotte continue its losing ways, then Hayward will be a target for numerous teams.
NEXT: Fans React To Today's LaMelo Ball News