Written by Shams Charania, Mark Puleo, and Sam Veceny
The Charlotte Hornets are close to a deal that would send forward Gordon Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to league sources.
The Hornets are expected to acquire Tre Mann and Darvis Bertans, according to league sources. Mann, a 2021 first-round pick, is a bright spot as a talented young guard.
Hayward will leave Charlotte after agreeing to a four-year, $120 million contract with the Hornets in 2020. Hayward, a one-time All-Star, has battled nagging injuries in each of the past five seasons, dating back to his time in Boston.
The 6-foot-7 forward, who turns 34 in March, is averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field in 25 games this season.
The Hornets haven't made the playoffs since Hayward arrived and have just one winning season since 2016.
This season, Charlotte slumped to its worst winning percentage since the 2011-12 season as All-Star guard LaMelo Ball suffered an injury and the team's defensive rating plummeted. The 2011-12 team, then known as the Bobcats, finished with the worst winning percentage in NBA history.
even deeper
NBA trade stats: Gordon Hayward gives upstart Thunder playoff experience
What role could Hayward play on a winning team?
Hayward has been a secondary playmaker on offense this season, but he rarely turns the ball over. Although he struggled early on, he improved his shooting, shooting 50.3 percent from the field, 39.4 percent from three and 81 percent from free throws in 14 games before suffering a recent calf injury.
The team had some interest in acquiring a well-rounded offensive player like him who can play on and off the ball, as he fits very well in a variety of spots. — Sam Veceny, NBA Senior Writer
Must read
For more coverage of the NBA trade deadline, follow our live blog for continuous updates and analysis throughout the day.
(Photo: Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
