Thunder Trade for Gordon Hayward

The Thunder have sent Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic, Davis Bertans, and two second-round draft picks to Charlotte in exchange for veteran wing Gordon Hayward, a trade first broken by Shams Charania and detailed by HoopsRumors.

It's no surprise that Oklahoma City parted with Mann and Bertans at this juncture. Micic was a Brandon Rahbar Daily Thunder favorite, but the 30-year-old EuroLeague star hadn't excelled in an obvious role that would extend beyond his first season in the NBA. All three outgoing players have been featured more as end-of-bench longshots or trade bait than legitimate fits within the team as it scales the standings ahead of schedule.

Hayward is another ball-handling wing who fits the new Thunder playstyle, and could supplant minutes from starters and reserves alike in Oklahoma City's fluid rotation. While his veteran experience and proven shooting ability are commodities many fans have clamored for on a young team with gaps to fill, his age (he turns 34 next month) and extensive injury history make him an outlier in less favorable ways. His expiring contract slot, and the two additional roster spots opened in this move, could end up being the most valuable acquisition for OKC as GM Sam Presti continues to master the art of asset/roster churn around the margins of a contending core.

The Thunder also announced a trade with the Mavericks, exchanging the second worst of the four 2024 first rounders under their control for rights to swap with Dallas in the first round of the 2028 draft. For those keeping track, that leaves two picks OKC can still use to select players or trade this summer (the very worst of the four first rounders is owed to Toronto). Dallas acquired the pick to use in their own deadline deal today.