Gordon Hayward Could Not Live Up To The Money In Charlotte

Originally posted on The Cold Wire | By Brandon Marcus | Last updated 4/14/22

In November of 2020, Gordon Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets.

It was a major move for the team and created a huge splash in the NBA market.

At the time, some people thought the signing was smart because Hayward was averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.

Those numbers are somewhat middling but you have to remember that at his peak, Hayward was achieving 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists a game.

However, since then he hasn’t lived up to the hype because he hasn’t been able to play much.

Gordon Hayward in his two seasons as a Charlotte Hornet:

17.6 PTS
5.2 REB
4 AST
46.6 FG%
40.2 3P%
84.4 FT%

Only 93 games played. pic.twitter.com/wOIgmuNbDt

— Hornets Culture (@hornetsculture) April 14, 2022

During his two seasons in Charlotte, Hayward has averaged a respectable 17.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4 assists a game.

He is also achieving a 46.6% field goal percentage, a 40.2% three-point percentage, and 84.4% from the free-throw line.

But here’s what you need to keep in mind: he’s only played 93 games over two seasons.

Is that worth $120 million?

Goodbye, Gordon

Various injuries have sidelined him again and again throughout his time with the Hornets.

He only played in 49 games this year, missing nearly half of the games.

Imagine how much help he could have given his squad during the play-in game on Wednesday.

With all of the physical issues he’s had, there are many calling on the Hornets to trade Hayward.

Some fans want the team to do anything they can to get rid of the heavy contract they agreed to.

That has led to speculation that Hayward may be headed west with a few others to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Russell Westbrook and some draft picks.

Westbrook has a slew of issues but you can’t deny that he stays healthier much more than Hayward does.

Is this the end of the road for Hayward in Charlotte?

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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