Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets may secure a buyout after the trade deadline, potentially becoming a target for the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite holding a 23-17 record, the Mavericks face depth issues due to persistent injuries to key players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Hayward is on the trading block, with teams considering a buyout due to his expiring contract. While Hayward’s scoring has declined, he remаins a valuable complementary option, averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 25 games. The Hornets, at 8-28, find themselves 13th in the Eastern Conference, and Hayward’s timeline may not align with their current team’s direction. Despite not filling the power forward role, Hayward could provide the Mavericks with a larger wing option, addressing a need for playmaking around Doncic and Irving. The Mavs, with $5.4 million remaining from the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, have room for potential acquisitions after signing Seth Curry and Dante Exum in the offseason.