5 Offseason trades that make the Dallas Mavericks title contenders

2. Gordon Hayward package

A lot of this trade depends on what direction the Charlotte Hornets choose to go in next year. But if they decide to inch toward a mini rebuild or retool, then this could make sense.

For the Dallas Mavericks, a deal like this one would see them land a decent third star in Gordon Hayward, who, admittedly, has dealt with plenty of injury issues. But when healthy, he can provide ball-handling, roughly 15-18 points per game, and a decent presence on the defensive end.

Cody Martin and Nick Richards would be two solid pick-ups, too. Martin is a defensive menace whose 3-point shot has improved, and Richards, who the Hornets just extended, would give the Mavericks an improved interior presence.

As for the Hornets, this trade would see them acquire more future assets while also getting off of Hayward’s contract in favor of two deals about half its size.

Tim Hardaway Jr. could still help the team compete for a Play-In spot if that’s the direction they wanted to go in, but the two first-rounders would be the biggest assets in the deal for Charlotte.

Trading Richards may seem a bit backward because the Hornets just extended him, but it would open up more minutes for Mark Williams and/or Kai Jones.