NBA Trade Rumors: Hornets' Gordon Hayward Available, Could Be Buyout Candidate

Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward is available for trade and could be a possible candidate for a buyout, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

According to Fischer, Hayward's expiring contract makes him an option for a buyout if he is not traded.

"He's a wing player that is absolutely for the taking that I think — on an expiring contract — has more likelihood than ever to get moved," Fischer said on The Trade Deadline. "That being said, because of the expiring, a lot of teams are looking at Hayward as a buyout possibility."

Hayward, who is in the final year of a four-year, $120 million contract, is averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists in his fourth season with the Hornets. His scoring has dropped off from his early days in Charlotte when he was putting up close to 20 points per game, but he's still provided the Hornets with a reliable scoring option.

The Hornets have struggled early this season, sitting in 13th place in the Eastern Conference at 8-28. Those struggles have been due in part to star point guard LaMelo Ball's absence as he missed more than a month of basketball with a sprained ankle. Now back on the court, Charlotte is looking for a mid-season surge.

Perhaps dealing Hayward could help the Hornets find a spark.