The Charlotte Hornets announced that small forward Gordon Hayward suffered a left calf strain against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 26 and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Hayward is the Hornets’ starting swingman.
Hayward has appeared in 25 games this season for the Hornets. He’s averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting 46.8% from the field, 36.1% from beyond the arc and 76.5% from the free-throw line.
The 33-year-old Hayward is in the final year of his contract. The one-time All-Star is making $31.5 million this season.
The Hornets are 7-22 on the season. They are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings. All signs point toward Charlotte missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year.
Multiple playoff-caliber teams have called the Hornets to gauge Hayward’s trade availability, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Hayward has been linked to the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
Hayward has career averages of 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists with the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics and Hornets. NBA writer Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report thinks a contender could trade for Hayward before the February trade deadline.
“If the Hornets are near the bottom of the East in February, which feels like a real possibility, the front office will likely explore moving veterans like Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward,” Bailey wrote. “If Hayward is still healthy by that point, some contender may be interested in a half-season rental of the versatile forward, who’s on an expiring contract.”
Since he’s a solid 3-point shooter, Hayward could be a trade target for several playoff teams. Hayward is a career 36.9% shooter from 3-point land.
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