15 Way-too-early 2024 trade deadline candidates for Knicks to monitor

Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets

If the New York Knicks feel they need to add a player that could offer the versatility to either play on the wing or in the frontcourt, there’s one veteran option that could make sense – Gordon Hayward. At last, Hayward is officially an expiring contract, and with how the Charlotte Hornets are pivoting, it really doesn’t make much sense for him to still be on the team’s roster. I suppose the Hornets could keep Hayward on the roster to help with mentorship, but I’d have to imagine he could be an intriguing trade deadline candidate as well.

At 33 years old, Hayward could emerge as a valuable veteran for a team that is trying to take a step forward in the Eastern Conference. Hayward is coming off a season in which he averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the field. If the Knicks want to play a bit more small-ball and need a capable wing that could also play some power forward, perhaps Hayward would be an ideal fit.

There’s not a huge amount of risk that would come with such a move and he could probably be had for a first-round pick and expiring salary at the deadline.