New York Knicks: 6 Realistic in-season trade targets to help keep pace in East

Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets

Depending on how this season unravels for the Charlotte Hornets, there’s at least an outside chance that they end up moving on from Gordon Hayward. Even though he’s far removed from his prime, Hayward is still a player who can help a contending team if he’s healthy. Quite frankly, that’s been the biggest question over the last few years of his career. If he’s healthy, he’s still a player who can add something of significance and play an important role for a team.

Entering the final year of his contract with the Hornets, if he’s going to be traded, this is the year that it’s going to finally happen.

Hayward on the Hornets as the No. 1 or No. 2 option may not move the needle much but as the third or fourth option for a playoff contender, that could certainly be a legit threat to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. Considering the Hornets are likely in the midst of a rebuild, I find it hard to imagine that the asking price for Hayward wouldn’t be large. It’s certainly a pairing that could work, even if it is just for one season.