Indiana Pacers: Buy or sell on 4 latest rumored trade targets

4. The Indiana Pacers remain a rumored destination for Gordon Hayward

Despite the Hornets’ relative success this season, particularly with Gordon Hayward continuing his strong play from last season, it’s no secret that Charlotte would prefer to trim the fat on their salary load, which the former All-Star massively takes up in light of his semi-albatross contract.

That’s the reason why the 31-year-old has been reported to be a name to watch going to the Pacers in a possible. Unlike Washington, Hayward is straight money, and Indiana can dangle one of their big men plus a salary filler to relieve Charlotte of Hayward’s cap load.

As I’ve pointed out before, Hayward works as a viable piece for a win-now team like the Pacers. However, with Indiana rapidly crescendoing into a youth-directed retooling, pursuing him when less expensive commodities such as Washington are available will only look like an attempt to extend the current core’s lifespan under the guise of a singular swap.

Verdict: Buy on Charlotte being interested in trading Hayward, Sell on the Pacers being on the receiving end