As early as 6 years ago, the Hornets had already tried to beckon to Gordon Hayward, and finally this year they signed a four-year, 120 million contract with Hayward when he was unhappy with the Celtics and jumped out of his contract early.
Hayward is currently 30 years old. He was selected as a star player in 2017. He played 52 games last season, averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and a 38.3% three-point shooting percentage.
It was revealed last week that Hayward felt betrayed by the Celtics. It was originally promised that he would be the core, but the rapid emergence of young players and Hayward's constant injuries in recent years have made him relegated to the fourth or fifth choice. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand that he wants to break out of the contract and find a new owner.
The Hornets, on the other hand, fully demonstrate the misery of a small-market team. They fail to grab stars every year. Without many options, they can only offer a big contract to Hayward who just needs a stage, similar to the situation with Terry Rozier last year.
Otherwise, with the scale of money spent by the Hornets, they should get at least one star who can directly promote the team to the playoff level, but is Hayward a star of this level? If Hayward can return to 80% of his pre-injury performance, then maybe the Hornets can still make a head start. Hayward, Devonte' Graham, Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington are the main players, and LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Malik Monk start from the second team. The Hornets can be regarded as composed. A team with a chance to make the playoffs.
However, the Hornets are betting a lot, but I think small market teams should take the gamble. If the chemistry and health of Hayward and Ball with the existing main players go well, the Hornets have a chance to make the playoffs. It won't be worse than the current situation. It depends on whether Qiao Shen's operation this time can wash away the reputation of being unclear about people in the past.
