30-year-old swingman Gordon Hayward turned down his $34.2 million player option on Thursday, leading many to believe he had already verbally agreed to a contract behind the scenes.
Among a list of candidates that included the Knicks, Pacers, and Heat, it was the Hornets, surprisingly, who ended up with the prize, inking Hayward to a 4-year, $120 million deal.
Free agent Gordon Hayward is signing a 4-year, $120M deal with Charlotte, per source.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports confirms deal now to ESPN — Hayward leaving the Celtics for the Hornets on a $120M free agent deal. https://t.co/OYnMbp53Xj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Hayward was an All-Star in 2017 with the Jazz, averaging 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 39% shooting from downtown. After a devastating injury derailed his debut in Boston, he has been forced to the sidelines ever since, playing more of a supporting role for stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker.
The Hornets learned from their mistakes with Kemba Walker and IMMEDIATELY got LaMelo Ball some help.
They had to overpay, sure, but this move puts them in position to compete for a bottom-3 playoff spot.
Love it.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) November 21, 2020
The forward out of Butler will be entering his 11th NBA season
