In the final hours of the 2024 NBA trade deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a splash.
The Thunder acquired Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets. The deal was praised as a smart move to add a veteran wing who can score off the dribble and off catch-and-shoot chances.
What the Thunder gave up was minimal too. Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic and Davis Bertans seldom saw playing time in OKC, so there was no real risk of losing someone significant.
Hayward’s expiring salary also cleared up $35 million in cap space this summer, which was a fail-safe if he didn’t work out.