Report: Gordon Hayward, Hornets expected to part ways

According to NBA insider Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer, Gordon Hayward’s time with the Charlotte Hornets is up.

The Hornets will either trade Hayward or agree to a buyout agreement with him.

“Should nothing materialize, Hayward would be a buyout candidate, giving another team the opportunity to bring him at a much lower salary number,” Boone wrote. “Following (Terry) Rozier’s departure two weeks ago, league sources suggested that was the most likely outcome. But there is apparently a small market for Hayward. Either way, one league source indicated Wednesday that Hayward’s time with the Hornets is up. ‘He’s gone,’ the source said.”

Hayward is in the final year of his contract. He’s making $31.5 million this season. The Butler product signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Hornets in November 2020 as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics.

A one-time All-Star, Hayward is averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks this season while shooting 46.8% from the floor, 36.1% from beyond the arc and 76.5% from the free-throw line. He’s currently out with a left calf strain.

The Hornets are only 10-39 on the season. They are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Everyone on the roster is available in trade talks expect for LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams. Kyle Lowry is expected to be traded after being acquired from the Miami Heat in the Terry Rozier deal.

Hayward is averaging 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Hornets, who are 77-91 when the swingman plays.

Hayward has career averages of 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Utah Jazz, Celtics and Hornets. He turns 34 in March.