This trade deadline is the gift that keeps on giving — even in the form of taking things away!

News broke late Saturday that the deal between the Lakers and Hornets was being rescinded after Mark Williams failed his physical with Los Angeles, reverting what ended up being a trade that had significant ramifications. Everything you heard about the deal can basically be undone, and it raises serious questions about the Lakers’ ceiling with this current roster. Their prized center acquisition disappeared after a trip to the doctor, and now they’re stuck with Jaxson Hayes (more on him in a moment).

The biggest fallout is in Charlotte, where Jusuf Nurkic and Moussa Diabate lost a lot of steam in a snap. Of course, that Williams failed a physical suggests that he’s no lock to play a huge role — even though he was doing so without incident before the trade — so the door remains ajar, but both Nurkic and Diabate are back to stash-and-hope territory. Given the way this played out it certainly looks like Williams is destined for some time on the sidelines, because the optics of him not getting cleared by LA and then walking back to 30 minutes a night would not be great for the Hornets, but there’s no telling when that happens to give Nurkic and Diabate some runway. Dalton Knecht can be dropped safely across the land, while Nick Smith Jr. lives to see another day. Charlotte’s awkward statement on Saturday about welcoming Williams back into the fold is the cherry on top.

As for the Lakers, they’re now going to move forward with Hayes as the starting center. He’s not spectacular by any definition but he’ll be able to grind out low-end lines by virtue of being the last guy left. This also helps Rui Hachimura, who will be tasked with replacing some of Anthony Davis’ offensive contributions. Small-ball may end up ruling the day — LeBron James at center, anyone? — but the rest of the Lakers’ wings and guards don’t have enough appeal to make waves in 12-team formats. Hayes is a potential pickup if you need boards and blocks, and Hachimura should be a little more consistent, but there’s not a ton to work with.

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