Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks Trade Watch: Is There Buzz Around Gordon Hayward?

Originally posted on FanNation All Knicks
By Jonah Morgan | Last updated 12/7/23

The New York Knicks have lingered in countless trade rumors, especially as they hunt for a superstar to put them over the top.

But with warnings about trading for disgruntled stars, perhaps the Knicks' time would be better spent looking for a veteran contributor. In terms of average roster age on opening, the Knicks stood at 26.22, the 14th-oldest in the league but youngest among the eight teams that won at least one playoff series last season.

With that in mind, the 33-year-old Gordon Hayward could be a prime candidate for the Knicks to target in a trade. Hayward continues to contribute in his 14th NBA season, currently averaging 14.7 points (on just over 44 percent from the field), five rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Considering the current state of the Knicks' roster the team could certainly use another shooter, especially with Hayward hitting 36 percent of his tries from deep.

While Hayward, a 2017 All-Star, could benefit a team on the cusp of contention like the Knicks, he certainly has his drawbacks: his four-year, $120 million contract is expiring after this season and retaining him probably won't come cheap. Hayward's health has also been a concern, as he hasn't played more than 52 games in a year since 2018-19.

With that said, if the Knicks (12-8) were to seek a veteran prescience, particularly one to come off the bench, then Hayward could be a prime candidate for a long-sought trade. He's playing well for the sputtering Hornets and could attract suitors if/when Charlotte opts to sell as the trade deadline draws near.

The Knicks and Hornets have one more battle scheduled for Jan. 29 after the former took three meetings last month. In the meantime, New York faces the Boston Celtics on Friday at TD Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG/NBA TV).

This article first appeared on FanNation All Knicks and was syndicated with permission.

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