Hornets get Hayward from Celtics via sign-and-trade

Gordon Hayward is heading to Charlotte via a sign-and-trade. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Hornets acquire Gordon Hayward from Celtics via sign-and-trade

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Nov 29, 2020 4:03 PM ET

The Boston Celtics have pulled off a sign-and-trade of Gordon Hayward after all.

Boston announced Sunday that it has traded Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets for a future second-round pick. The trade also creates a trade exception for the Celtics, which likely will be worth $30 million because Hayward is set to make $30 million per season with the Hornets.

We have traded Gordon Hayward and 2 future second round draft picks to the @hornets in exchange for a conditional future second round draft pick. The sign-and-trade agreement also creates a trade exception for Boston.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 29, 2020

The Celtics can now use that $30 million to sign a player it acquires via free agency or trade within the next year.

Boston could end up landing a solid player for $30 million, and the C's could even end up getting James Harden if they make a few more moves. It's unlikely, but always a possibility.

The Hornets made room for Hayward by waiving Nic Batum and his $27.1 million salary using the league's stretch provision on Sunday.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

More must-reads: