NBA Trade Odds: Mavs Among Top Betting Favorites to Land Gordon Hayward
With the trade deadline a month and a half away, rumors and speculation around the NBA are starting to pick up steam, and the Dallas Mavericks will surely be one of the more frequent names mentioned as the clock ticks down.
The Mavs have done well in the early portion of the season, posting a 16-10 record, good for fifth in the West. Luka Doncic has been able to make the absolute most of his sixth season in the league so far, averaging 32.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game while leading Dallas through a slew of injuries, including co-star Kyrie Irving’s heel contusion.
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All that said, the Mavs need more pieces — ideally, another high-quality wing and backup center — to solidify their spot as a true title contender in the West. When surveying the NBA landscape, could Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward be the Mavs answer for a wing addition?
According to BetCarolina.com, the Mavs are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for having the third-best betting odds (+700) to land Hayward. The Miami Heat are first with +450 odds, and the Golden State Warriors are second with +500 odds.
Although Hayward isn’t known for his defense, he’s a versatile offensive wing, averaging 15.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 46.6 percent overall and 36.2 percent from deep in 22 games for the Hornets this season.
Being that Hayward is 33 years old and is on an expiring $31.5 million contract, it doesn’t make much sense for the struggling Hornets to hold onto him. And if the Mavs could add a player with his talents for essentially what would have to be a salary-dump type of deal, they’d have to at least consider it.
If Charlotte’s asking price is too high, though, Dallas should stay away, as Hayward doesn’t move the needle enough to warrant any kind of overpay.
