Butler aggravates tailbone injury after hard fall

The Charlotte Hornets have fallen to 12-34 on the season and are positioning for ping pong balls in the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery. Given that, the Hornets are ready to talk trades for some of the veterans on their roster. Charlotte is prepared to talk deals for Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr.

Hayward is owed $30.1 million this season and $31.5 million next season. He’s continually battled injuries throughout his Charlotte tenure, and since as far back as 2017 when he suffered an opening night injury with the Boston Celtics.

Rozier signed a four-year, $96.3 million contract extension before last season. He’s on the Hornets books through the 2025-26 season at an average of $24 million per season.

Oubre underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left hand on January 3. He’s expected to miss 4-6 week, which would have Oubre in line to return right around the February 9 trade deadline. He’s on an expiring $12.6 million contract, which could make him attractive to a contender looking for a rotation wing.