Report: ex-All-Star wing unlikely to be bought out if Hornets don't trade him

Gordon Hayward is in the final year of a $120 million deal. He has been floated as a potential trade chip for the Charlotte Hornets heading into the Feb. 8 trade deadline. There have also been rumblings that he could be brought out if a trade fails to materialize.

Now, it would appear the latter means of departure is unlikely. According to Marc Stein, via his SteinLine newsletter, Hayward probably won't be bought out of his contract this season. 

"I have, however, heard even more strongly since we last covered it that a buyout in Gordon Hayward’s case should be regarded as unlikely in the extreme … even if Hayward is not traded this week," Stein reported. "The Hornets, I’m told, have not ruled out trying to re-sign Hayward at season's end if no trade develops. A buyout would require Hayward to forfeit his Bird Rights, so it seems rather safe to rule that possibility out."

Hayward has played in 25 games for the Hornets this season. He's averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three-point range. However, his injury history since joining the franchise in 2020 is far from ideal. 

As such, we can expect Hayward's next contract to be a modest one. When he's healthy, he's a valuable two-way wing that can also operate as a creator for himself and his teammates. There's value in having a diverse wing that can slot into games in a multitude of ways. However, his health has been a contention point in recent years and will likely be a serious factor in what the next step of his career looks like.

Charlotte's rebuild will need some experienced veterans to help guide the younger talents on the roster. Hayward has been with the Hornets for four years and may be open to remaining in a veteran capacity.

However, Hayward is also a competitor. The Hornets would need to sell him on their project. As a free agent, Hayward will likely have a market that consists of contending teams looking for his type of production off the bench. 

Regardless of what happens at the trade deadline, Hayward's long-term future will be resolved in the summer. Charlotte will have stiff competition in re-signing him for the final stage of his career.