Indiana Pacers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, BOS 2024 2nd Round Pick (via CHA), CHA 2026 2nd Round Pick
Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Myles Turner, G/F Jeremy Lamb, IND 2023 1st Round Pick (Lottery-Protected)
Since he first became a free agent following the 2016-17 season, the Indiana Pacers have had a significant amount of interest in Gordon Hayward. Not only would Hayward be a “hometown-kid” with the Pacers since he was born in Indianapolis and attended Butler University, but they have always had a need for a scoring wing like him.
The Pacers got out-bid by the Boston Celtics during Gordon Hayward’s first free agency and then when he was a free agent again in 2020, they were unable to land him and the veteran wing signed with the Hornets instead.
In Charlotte, Hayward has averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and has shot 40.4% from three-point range, proving that he can still play at a high-level even after his significant lower left leg injury in 2017.
Indiana is currently 14-20 and they are sinking fast in the Eastern Conference. They sit in front of only the Magic and Pistons in the Eastern Conference standings, which is why the Indiana Pacers front-office should eagerly be looking to make a move.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Charlotte Hornets — Pass Or Pursue?
Not too long ago, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Pacers are heading towards a rebuild and will be receptive to trade offers for Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert and Myles Turner. Moving Turner for Hayward could be something that peaks the interest of the Pacers, especially given their interest in the forward over the years.
Being a great offensive team as it is, trading away Gordon Hayward could wind up screwing up a lot of the Hornets’ chemistry on the floor, but at the same time, they need someone like Myles Turner.
Leading the league in blocked shots two of the last three seasons and again this year, Turner is arguably the best rim-protecting big man in the league and could elevate Charlotte’s defense, which ranks dead-last in the NBA.
The Indiana Pacers big man really is not that bad of an offensive player either, Indiana just under-utilizes him on that end of the floor. Since being drafted 11th overall in 2015, Myles Turner has averaged 12.8 points per game with the Pacers and has shot 35.3% from three-point range.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Targets For Charlotte Hornets — Pass Or Pursue?
Given that Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball thrive in pick-and-roll situations as passers, Turner could see plenty of opportunities to score, rolling to the rim and also stepping out on the three-point line.
Gordon Hayward has been great these last two seasons in Charlotte, but leveraging him to fix their frontcourt is an intriguing situation. The Hornets are going to be looking to upgrade their roster at the trade deadline this season, hence why we could see them once again pursue Myles Turner.
