Report: Hornets’ Gordon Hayward Available Via Trade, Teams Monitoring Possible Buyout

Hayward is in the final year of his contract. He’s making $31.5 million this season. The swingman signed a four-year, $120 million contract 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 field, 36.1% from beyond the arc and 76.5% from the free-throw line. He’s currently out with a left calf strain.

Multiple playoff-caliber teams have called the Hornets to gauge Hayward’s trade value, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Hayward has been linked to the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers, sources told NBA Analysis Network.

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. NBA writer Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes a contender could acquire Hayward via trade or the buyout market since the Hornets are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

“If the Hornets are near the bottom of the East in February, which feels like a real possibility, the front office will likely explore moving veterans like Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward,” Bailey wrote. “If Hayward is still healthy by that point, some contender may be interested in a half-season rental of the versatile forward, who’s on an expiring contract.”