The New York Knicks have the worst win percentage in the NBA since 2000. They’ve seen spurts of success – with Jeremy Lin, with Carmelo Anthony, with Julius Randle. But since the turn of the century, the franchise has never seen sustained success.
The Knicks are in desperate need of star talent. It was speculated over the last few seasons that they’d acquire it via free agency. Durant and Irving, though, chose Brooklyn. LeBron chose LA. Nobody has chosen the Knicks.
To add star talent, the Knicks need to turn to the trade market. They need to find diamonds in the rough that they can get great value for. Enter: Gordon Hayward.
Once upon a time, it was Gordon Hayward who was the talk of NBA free agency. When he was leaving the Utah Jazz in 2017, teams entered frenzied sweepstakes for his services. Ultimately Boston won.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trade Ideas To Send Hornets’ Gordon Hayward To New York Knicks
Unfortunately, Hayward sustained a horrific leg injury in his opening game with Boston. After missing the remainder of the 2017-18 season, Hayward slowly returned to form, but never quite lived up to his free agency hype.
Five years removed now from the injury that derailed his career, Hayward is still that same player. Since a move to Charlotte, he’s averaged 17.2 ppg in a largely off-ball role. Hayward has shot 40.1% from deep, and contributed 3.8 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game. His number don’t jump off the screen, but Hayward still possesses the versatility and talent that once made him such a coveted free agent.
Charlotte doesn’t seem too desperate to keep Hayward around. Hayward was inactive due to injury for much of the latter half of the season. It’s possible, though, that Charlotte simply doesn’t have a place in the rotation for him anymore.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trade Ideas To Send Hornets’ Gordon Hayward To New York Knicks
Hayward, given the right opportunity, could again thrive. New York might just be that opportunity. The New York Knicks have a fine roster – their 2021 playoff appearance shows as much. They’ve added shooting in Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker, and a star addition like Gordon Hayward could be the next step forward.
Hayward would not only provide floor-spacing – he can act as a floor general. He’s a smart and willing passer, and more than capable of running an offense. The Knicks could use a player in that role, as they struggled to find a consistent lead guard to set up the offense.
The potential on the floor is there – but the biggest reason New York should look into acquiring Hayward is, frankly, that he’s attainable. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, “Gordon Hayward is a name to keep an eye on regarding the trade market.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trade Ideas To Send Hornets’ Gordon Hayward To New York Knicks
The Knicks have a plethora of trade-able contracts that might interest Charlotte, who desperately needs defense. Nerlens Noel or Taj Gibson may interest Charlotte, perhaps along with young scorer Cam Reddish.
Gordon Hayward’s large contract will make Charlotte eager to move on from him, particularly if they don’t see a role for him. Any player with star potential at a discount is worth a look – especially for a franchise like the New York Knicks. Hayward hasn’t played at a star level in a while, but he’s got all the tools.
Gordon Hayward would be a success in New York. The franchise should look to work out a deal – they may find that the price is right.
