Hornets' Gordon Hayward Could Get Buyout After Trade Deadline; Mavs Sign?

A veteran wing option that appears to be emerging as potentially available in the buyout market is Gordon Hayward of the Hornets. Could the Mavs pursue?

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks hold a 23-17 record through 40 games played entering Monday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. With persisting problems with injuries to key players, the Mavs still need to reinforce depth around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. What's a potential option to monitor?

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward is not only on the trading block, but teams are monitoring the outlook for a buyout, given he's playing on an expiring contract.

"He's a wing player that is absolutely for the taking that I think — on an expiring contract — has more likelihood than ever to get moved," Fischer said on the 'Inside The Mavs' podcast. "That being said, because of the expiring [contract], a lot of teams are looking at Hayward as a buyout possibility."

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Hayward has averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 25 games. Although his scoring has decreased from his initial seasons in Charlotte, he remains a helpful complementary option at this stage of his NBA career. 

The Hornets rank 13th in the Eastern Conference with an 8-28 record. While LaMelo Ball's absence due to a sprained ankle has played a role in their underachieving results, Hayward does not fit the timeline of their current team. 

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Hayward wouldn't be the power forward option the team needs to add needed frontcourt size, but he'd still be a bigger wing option with the ability to make plays off the dribble the Mavs lack around Doncic and Irving. 

In the offseason, the Mavs created the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception after making various moves to generate it. Out of the $12.4 million available, Dallas used $4.0 million to sign Seth Curry and $3.0 million for Dante Exum. There is an estimated $5.4 million remaining for Dallas to use.