via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
The Charlotte Hornets?find themselves in a bad position at the moment. The?Michael Jordan-owned $1.7 billion worth franchise just won their second consecutive game against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Evidently, even that can’t help the Hornets climb up the Eastern Conference rankings from their second-last position. It might be safe to say that the Hornets are a lost cause this season, which is why they are now seemingly focusing on getting the lottery position for next season.
The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the weakest teams this season, winning no more than 13 games out of 47 played so far. They are currently the third-worst team in the overall ranking list and injury to their star guard LaMelo Ball?has only done more damage than good.
Michael Jordan prepares for trades
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The trade deadline, February 9, is under three weeks away and it seems like the Charlotte Hornets have decided to trade a few of their players in order to build a stronger roster around LaMelo Ball. According to Marc Stein’s Substack post, the Hornets are open to trading Gordon Hayward. Fortunately, if they make the right trade, MJ’s Hornets may have better chances of getting the no. 1 pick or the top-four selection in the 2023 NBA draft.
The Charlotte Hornets are prepared to take calls on Gordon Hayward, per @TheSteinLine
(Via https://t.co/YFiw9zHx2w) pic.twitter.com/X0IzDzjtLI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 21, 2023
It is no secret that several teams are looking forward to heavily favorite acquiring the no. 1 draft prospect, Victor Wembanyama. Evidently, even if the Hornets miss out on Wembanyama, they could still select the ‘second-in-line’ Scoot Henderson and bring in the necessary help for Ball.
Following the news on the possible Hayward trade, NBA fans came forth with their takes on the latest Hornets update.
Here are some reactions from NBA Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AirmanSandoval/status/1616884291136520193?s=20&t=ZodOfdwGvscifYKzvqo8vA
Rozier is their best player but they could get a good package for him since he’s proven his consistency.
— Kaleb Earls (@K_Earls32) January 21, 2023
Never recovered after leaving Utah or that injury. Not sure where he will go.
— D’Courtland Christian (DC) (@Dcrealspill) January 21, 2023
Love Gordon, but I'm all for a divorce. Of course, who's gonna willingly take on his contract?
Well maybe OKC, but I'm not fond of trading any firsts to get off that contract. Would rather ride it out, maybe trade him next year when he's expiring
— bonk, go to Hornet jail (@CLThornetsfan) January 21, 2023
Lmao love how teams act as if other teams were anxious to trade for their bad contracts…
Who the hell will make a call for Hayward. More like. Charlotte wants to get rid of GH… They probably have to attach picks to get rid of him or a young player
— Euse_PR (@Euse_PR) January 21, 2023
Likely gonna be very similar to the kemba horford trade a little bit ago. A bad contract for a bad contract
— Mully (@mulosoraptor23) January 21, 2023
What team could realistically use Gordon Hayward?
— Betbasics (@betbasics) January 21, 2023
He’s washed and injury prone, no one wants him
— Dami (@KingDami5299) January 21, 2023
Honestly, this is a dude a team like the Mavs should target. The Hornets just want off his money and would take a sooner expiring bad contract back. Meanwhile Dallas could use some, albeit overpriced, perimeter defense and secondary creation.
— Injonito (@injonito) January 21, 2023
Due to a hamstring injury, Hayward has appeared in only 21 games this season, averaging 13.7 PPG. Hayward signed a $120 million worth four-year contract with the Hornets in 2020.
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LaMelo Ball misses the Atlanta Hawks game
The Charlotte Hornets recently beat the Atlanta Hawks by 122-118 despite the absence of LaMelo Ball. Hornets guard Terry Rozier led his team to victory scoring 34 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists on the night. According to ESPN, the 2021 Rookie of the Year had to be sidelined due to soreness in his left ankle, right knee, and right wrist.
WATCH THIS STORY: Years After Retirement Michael Jordan Helped the NBA Earn $52 Million With a Movie That Just Used His Name
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Ball has already missed 13 games since the start of the season due to an ankle injury and played in no more than three games after returning to the court before spraining his ankle again. Ball further went on to miss 11 games before returning to the court on December 14. He is currently averaging 23.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.
What do you think of the latest trade update from the Hornets? Let us know in the comments below.
