After just 93 games in Charlotte, NBA veteran Gordon Hayward could be on the move again soon.
According to a report from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the 1x All-Star is open to a trade from the Hornets, who secured a play-in spot just a few days ago.
The final stretch also provided a glimpse of what the Hornets might look like without Hayward on the roster. The emergence of Bridges, not to mention Ball’s high usage rate, meant fewer playmaking opportunities for Hayward within Charlotte’s offense. Word has circulated amongst rival front offices that the 32-year-old swingman would be interested in a change of scenery this offseason, although a source close to Hayward told B/R he’s primarily focused on recovering from his injured foot.
The situation has changed a lot since Hayward’s arrival to the franchise. When he joined, they had little in the way of star power and he was allowed to be the feature of the offense.
This season, the emergence of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges has shifted priorities. They are the future of the Hornets, and even Hayward himself can see it.
“Yeah, I think LaMelo is going to be really good in this league for a lot of years,” said Hayward. “He’s got great size. More than anything, he has great feel for the game. He’s kind of like — to me, he’s got that same type of feel as like (Dallas’) Luka (Doncic), as (Washington’s) Russ (Westbrook), where they just are around the ball and the ball kind of just comes to them. With rebounds and (being able) to make the right plays and always kind of being at that right position, to me he has that same type of feel and energy for the game. I think he’s gonna be really good.”
So, what does the future hold in store for the Indianapolis native? That much remains to be seen.
But with averages of 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 45.9% shooting, it’s clear he can still produce at a high level. This summer, you can expect many teams to consider all he brings to the table.
