According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Gordon Hayward has agreed to sign with the Charlotte Hornets. It is a four-year deal worth $120 million. This comes after Hayward declined his $34 million player option with the Celtics and become a free agent. While there were many reports that he would sign with the Indiana Pacers as a part of a sign-and-trade yesterday, this move shocked many basketball fans.
Free agent Gordon Hayward is signing a 4-year, $120M deal with Charlotte, per source.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Charlotte Hornets Sign Gordon Hayward
Hayward bounced back nicely for the Celtics two years removed from the gruesome leg injury during his Celtics debut. During the regular season last year, he averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He shot an efficient 50 percent from the field and a solid 38.3 percent from behind the arc.
Hayward still missed some time last year as he dealt with additional injuries. However, one of those injuries came at an inopportune time.
Hayward sprained his ankle in the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers and did not return until the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. After having a solid regular season last year, he was not himself in the playoffs.
What Hayward Brings to the Table
Hayward will now enter his 11th season in the NBA with a new team. The addition of Hayward to the Hornets gives them an offensive weapon and a needed veteran presence for this young team. While Hayward is not the same player from his Utah Jazz days after the devastating injury, he can still score from anywhere and do a little bit of everything on the court. However, his health is a question mark moving forward as he is now on the wrong side of 30-years-old.
Hayward will be one of the primary options on offense for the Hornets. With the addition of Hayward, the Hornets will look to improve from last season and make the playoffs this year. He will have some time off before he returns to training camp with the Hornets.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
