This would not be the star trade that many Knicks fans are hoping for (that would be for OG Anunoby) but would still give them some much needed help on the wings. It would also come with a much lower cost and Leon Rose has seemed reticent to pull the trigger on trading away draft picks so this involves a straight player swap. This trade idea originally came from Fred Katz of the Athletic who proposed Fournier and Rose for Hayward with the Knicks receiving the protected 2023 first round pick originally from Denver. My trade has the Hornets sending Jalen McDaniels instead as the Knicks might rather have a player who can contribute rather than yet another 2023 protected first round pick. Now to the team by team breakdown!

Knicks: The Knicks clearly need help on the bench and given the type of player that Thibs wants, players who can play well on both the offensive and defensive ends. The Knicks swap Fourier and Rose, neither of whom really play at this point for Hayward. Hayward is not the star he once was, mainly due to injuries but since he would be coming off the bench, his workload would be much less and he could rest more than he's used to. He would make the bench lineup much harder to deal with. The downside is the Knicks would be taking on a larger contract in 2023-24 but wouldn't be giving up any draft picks and could use his salary in a trade for a star down the line as well. The Knicks also get Jalen McDaniels as a player they can develop on the wing as well and who has shown some promise. He could end up being a rental but they could likely keep him if they offer him something around the mid-level exception. He's a solid bench player who would fit in well on this team.

Hornets: Wow this Hornets season has been a mess. They are definitely in rebuilding mode and Hayward's large contract is definitely a hindrance to that. This trade sees them swap that contract for two smaller ones, with Fournier's being $18 million for next season and a team option after that. Rose's contract has a team option for next season so they could actually end up having more money to work with in the offseason. They also get to take a flier on Reddish who could hopefully flourish with more playing time. The do lose McDaniels but may have a hard time keeping him as he will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason so at least they get Reddish in exchange as well as the salary relief.

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