Orlando Magic Receive: F Gordon Hayward
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Gary Harris, C Mo Bamba, 2022 First Round Pick, 2023 First Round Pick (via CHI)
Gordon Hayward and his large contract would be the main piece of going back to the Orlando Magic in this particular NBA trade scenario.
This is a chance for the Charlotte Hornets to shed a $30 million a year deal and get back some pieces in the form of expiring contracts and NBA Draft assets. Moving on from the substantial long-term salary could help position the franchise better to build around LaMelo Ball in the future.
The Magic would send Gary Harris and Mo Bamba to Charlotte and a pair of first-round picks. It is not much for trade value that comes with Bamba and Harris, so there would be reliance on draft assets to bridge the gap.
The Hornets added Kai Jones in the 2021 NBA Draft and signed Mason Plumlee in free agency, but Bamba could provide some competition at the center spot or be re-routed in a separate trade.
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This would allow the Magic to get back in return for two players that will most likely be on their way out next offseason. Additionally, it would help to treat Jalen Suggs as a franchise cornerstone and add helpful talent to take pressure off him.
Let’s take a closer look and see how this NBA trade scenario centered around Gordon Hayward would impact the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic.