Two Hornets Listed on The Athletic's Top 35 Names on Trade Market

Charlotte could look to move a pair of veterans at the deadline.

The NBA trade deadline is just a few weeks away and once again, the Charlotte Hornets will be looking to sell rather than buy. Injuries have got in the way for the second straight year and have played a massive part in the team's downfall over the last month or so, losing 16 of the last 17 games.

Veterans Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward are most likely to be discussed around the trade deadline as the Hornets look to hit the reset button. According to Sam Vecenie of the The Athletic, they are two of his best 35 "available" players - Hayward ranked No. 16 with Rozier checking at No. 19.

Vecenie's thoughts on Terry Rozier:

"Rozier's hot run could allow them to move his contract off their books and begin resetting around Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams.

"Honestly, Rozier's contract - two years and $51.5 million remaining after this season - is reasonable even with the defensive limitations that come with his lack of size. He may be on fire this season, but he also averaged 20 points per game on league-average efficiency in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns. If that's Rozier's true level, he should be ranked higher on this list."

Vecenie's thoughts on Gordon Hayward:

"I don't think Hayward will end up returning a first-rounder due to his high salary, but teams will have some interest in acquiring a well-rounded offensive player like him who can play on or off the ball. He fits exceedingly well in a variety of places, but Philadelphia is my favorite in exchange for the expiring salaries of Marcus Morris Sr. and Robert Covington."

My thoughts:

I would do everything possible to move Hayward. He's on the last year of his deal and there is no future for him in Charlotte. You might as well ship him off next month and get something in return rather than just letting him walk in free agency. 

As far as Rozier goes, I would be a little more picky. He's a bigger part of this team than many would think and I believe he could be a part of turning things around in years to come. However, if the price is right, the Hornets can't pass up on an intriguing offer.

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