5 groups that would signal Gordon Hayward as buyout buzz surrounds Hornets ahead

There’s buzz surrounding the potential for Gordon Hayward to endure a buyout with the Charlotte Hornets. Whereas there are indications of commerce prospects for the 13-year veteran, groups are him as an addition from the buyout market.

Gordon Hayward is on an expiring $31.5 million contract. He entered right into a four-year, $120 million settlement with the Boston Celtics by a sign-and-trade in November 2020, which despatched him to the Hornets.

Well being has been the largest concern about Hayward. In every of his first three seasons with the Hornets, he was unable to take part in additional than 50 video games.

This season, his fourth with Charlotte, he has performed in 25 of 36 video games, averaging 14.5 factors, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists. The Hornets are thirteenth within the Jap Convention, and will discover shifting Hayward if they continue to be close to the underside of the convention.

In accordance with Yahoo Sports activities’ Jake Fischer, Hayward is “absolutely for the taking.”

“Gordon Hayward is absolutely for the taking, that on an expiring contract has more likelihood than ever to get moved,” he stated. “A lot of teams are also looking at Hayward as a buyout possibility.”

Within the NBA, a buyout happens when a crew and a participant mutually conform to half methods. After a buyout, the participant is waived and might develop into a free agent. The buyout market is most lively after the February commerce deadline, as contenders search for a final probability to bolster their rosters.

As famous by RealGM, attributable to Gordon Hayward’s wage exceeding the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Stage Exception, groups above the tax apron—the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Miami Warmth, Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns—face restrictions in signing him. This rule was carried out with the brand new Collective Bargaining Settlement.

5 groups that would use Gordon Hayward

#1, Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers, regardless of being one of many youngest groups within the league, are in playoff rivalry. Including a veteran with playoff expertise and Hayeard’s scoring capacity may also help them carry out higher within the postseason.

#2, Philadelphia 76ers

Including one other veteran wouldn’t harm the championship-chasing Philadelphia 76ers. Whereas his well being is a crimson flag, Hayward could be a viable wing possibility that might be utilized in spurts.

#3, LA Lakers

The LA Lakers are already coping with well being issues, however they may take a danger on Hayward, who has the potential to supply them reliable scoring.

#4, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a weak point in wing scoring, and the addition of Hayward may also help tackle these issues.

#5, Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly trying so as to add a scoring wing. If Hayward will get purchased out, he might be a strong addition for the Western Convention-leading Wolves.