We hear about the top-25 each week of the season, but it takes 64 teams to fill the DII men’s basketball championship bracket. These five teams should be among those who could surprise a lot of people.On a recent episode of The Lowe Post podcast, Zach Lowe said teams are interested in acquiring Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets. Hayward is slated to return from a strained left calf soon.
One challenge for teams is that Hayward is on an expiring $31.5 million contract. That’s a big number to match salary for but could provide a team with some future cap relief.
Hayward has been productive when healthy this season. In 25 games, he’s averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 31.9 minutes per game. Hayward has also shot 47% from the field, including 36% on three-pointers.
Mike Lopresti breaks down the March Madness regulars who are at risk of not making this year’s tournament and some new faces that could find their way into the mix.Kyle Kuzma has been mentioned as a trade candidate leading to the deadline a few months after re-signing with the Washington Wizards on a four-year, $102 million deal. The Wizards, however, do not currently appear motivated to trade Kuzma.
“Washington has been very reticent with Kyle Kuzma,” said Adrian Wojnarowski on his podcast. “People are calling them. Teams tell me they call them and they’re not getting counters from Washington. If you want to register an offer for Kuzma, fine, you can do it. But they’re not at the point now where it seems like they’re really active in maybe seriously trying to move him. It could change by the deadline, but I know Michael Winger and Will Dawkins like Kuzma, like having him there. I think they’ll be particular about what they might do.”
