Magic Johnson Praises NBA GM For 1 Trade

February 9, 2024
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(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

This year’s trade season in the NBA wasn’t a particularly active or ground-shattering one, but there was some significant movement on Thursday just before the deadline hit at 3 p.m. New York time.

One trade that went down on Thursday was consummated between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets, and it sent veteran sharpshooter Gordon Hayward to the Thunder for guards Tre Mann and Vasilije Micic, forward Davis Bertans, and some draft capital.

Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson feels Thunder executive Sam Presti scored a slam dunk with this trade.

“OKC’s GM Sam Presti has struck gold again with the acquisition of Gordon Hayward. With his veteran presence and scoring ability, he will make their bench stronger and more explosive as they prepare for the playoffs!” Johnson said.

OKC’s GM Sam Presti has struck gold again with the acquisition of Gordon Hayward. With his veteran presence and scoring ability, he will make their bench stronger and more explosive as they prepare for the playoffs!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 8, 2024

The Thunder have already been having an excellent season, and they currently have the top spot in the Western Conference with a 35-16 record.

They rank fifth in offensive rating and fourth in defensive rating, and they have a prime Rookie of the Year candidate in big man Chet Holmgren, as well as possibly an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

But now, in Hayward, they’re adding a significant piece that could help result in an extended playoff run this spring.

He has career marks of 15.5 points a game and 36.9 percent from 3-point range, and he is also a somewhat underrated passer who is dropping 4.6 dimes a game this season.

Oklahoma City lacks forwards with solid length, and at 6-foot-7, Hayward will also help in that area.

They’re already one of the NBA’s best 3-point shooting teams, but he should make them even deadlier in that department.

Hayward is in his 14th NBA season, and he will also give a very young Thunder team some much-needed experience and wisdom.

This was a definite coup by Presti that could pay big dividends not too long from now.

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