Not many would’ve expected after Gordon Hayward‘s average start to the NBA that he’d play over a decade in the league, making millions in the process. Starting his career with the Utah Jazz, the 2017 All-Star suited up for four teams throughout his career in the league.

However, his earnings did not stay limited to his NBA salary, as he made significant investments as well. Having hung up his basketball shoes in August 2024, Hayward’s career has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. Beyond this tumultuous journey, another highlight of his career has been the various lucrative deals he signed. So let’s have a closer look at how much he made through his league earnings and from other sources.

Gordon Hayward’s net worth and his earnings from the NBA

Little did the NBA All-Star think during his time with the Butler Bulldogs that he’d end up with a net worth of $60 million. But it seems the Bulldogs’ forward always aimed high, declaring for the NBA draft just after two seasons in his college career. Impressed by his 14.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, the Utah Jazz picked him in the 2010 NBA draft. Thus began the first installment of his NBA earnings with a 4-year, $11 million deal with the Jazz ($11,051,183, as per Spotrac).

However, the 9th overall pick did not have the kind of start in the league many would’ve expected. But by the time his contract with the Jazz ended, he had gradually improved to 16.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. This explains why the Charlotte Hornets offered Gordon Hayward a 4-year, $63 million deal, which the Jazz matched to retain him. The then 24-year-old did not let his team down, as his peak was yet to come. Hayward’s stats were constantly rising with every passing season until he peaked at 21.9 ppg in the 2016-17 season. This was also the year that the ex-NBA star had his first and only All-Star appearance.

The consistent growth and a fresh All-Star appearance made Hayward a high-profile free agent that the Celtics could not resist. The franchise offered him an impressive 4-year, $128 million max deal. But a lot was about to change for the NBA All-Star, as in his first game (2017-18) with the Celtics, he suffered a fractured tibia and a dislocated ankle. Although he returned the next season, any player’s worst possible fear — injuries taking a toll on performance — came true. Don’t believe us? His first-ever declined stats (in his second season with the Celtics) since his debut should speak volumes.

He started in just 18 games for the team in his comeback season — the lowest ever since his debut. And it seemed the injuries were still following the former Bulldogs star, as he suffered a fractured left hand in December 2019, and then a Grade 3 right ankle sprain in August 2020. Despite this, he was yet to sign another lucrative deal, which came with the Hornets. Gordon rejected a $34.2 million player option by the Celtics in 2020 to sign a 4-year, $120 million contract with the Hornets during free agency.

However, the franchise turned out to be the only one with which Hayward made no playoff appearance, and his regular-season stats were also constantly declining. As a result, the team traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for draft picks. But with sub-par regular-season stats, the worst came for Hayward with 0 points in his 2024 playoff run with the Hornets. By August 2024, the 2017 All-Star bid farewell to the game, declaring his retirement in a post on X. Despite a career of highs and lows, Gordon made $268.4 million from his league earnings. But there’s more to his financial success beyond the NBA.

Hayward’s other sources of income

Apart from his league earnings, the former NBA star made millions with his multiple brand endorsements. This includes popular names like Anta Sports, HyperX, Fanatics, Panini, Electronic Arts, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. His endorsements for EA and HyperX were no coincidence, as gaming has been Gordon Hayward’s second love.

This passion for gaming explains his investment in the e-sports organization Tribe Gaming in 2020. His $1 million investment stands as a testament to his love and support for e-sports. Additionally, the former Jazz star made some crucial investments outside the realm of sports.

Notably, the NBA All-Star invested in multiple start-ups as well. This includes his partnership with Japan’s EBARA Corporation, through which Hayward supplies equipment like heavy-duty pumps and mixers to university-based start-ups. No wonder the former NBA star resides in a $4.7 million, 8,800-square-foot property in Charlotte, and owns a range of luxurious cars. It’s clear that his over-a-decade-long NBA career earned him more than Gordon Hayward could’ve once imagined.