Gordon Hayward Achieves Mean Feat to Line Alongside Kevin Durant and LeBron James After Celtics Exit

The NBA is a league full of stars. One of the biggest names in this year’s free agency was Gordon Hayward. Hayward had a player option worth $34.1 million with the Boston Celtics but he declined that.

The Charlotte Hornets, who really were desperately in need of a star, seized this moment and gave him a mammoth deal worth 120 million dollar for 4 years guaranteed. Critics naturally dubbed it as a mistake, but with LaMelo Ball coming in and Michael Jordan’s leadership, anything is possible.

The 2016-17 All-Star previously had signed a four-year deal worth $128 million with the Boston Celtics in 2017. With this contract he became the third player to sign multiple contracts worth a minimum $30 million per year.

Hayward now joins two very special players in LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who have signed multiple contracts worth minimum $30 million per year.

Is Gordon Hayward worth the risk for the Hornets?

Gordon Hayward signing for the Hornets was a big win for the player. But are the Hornets winners too? In Hayward, the Hornets will have a quality player who can add 20 points on the board regularly.

Over the years, the former Celtics’ player has shown his quality on the court with some decent performances but has also been off-the court due to various injuries.

In 2017-18 he suffered a season ending broken leg in the very first game. He missed the entire season due to that. Upon his return he looked decent. He would come off the bench and averaged only 11.5 points, 4.1 assists and 6.7 rebounds. This season he only played 52 games and suffered some minor injuries.

The Hornets could have added quality young players and build a team, but this move leaves them nowhere. There is no clear direction for the team. Neither are they contending for the title nor are they entering full rebuild like OKC.

Given how injury prone he has become, the Hornets giving this deal was a desperate move from the team. If they can keep Hayward healthy, he will surely add quality and will be very helpful for their draft pick LaMelo Ball.

It will be a big challenge for the team. For now in this deal, there’s a very clear winner- Gordon Hayward.