According to NBA insider Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward could be a buyout candidate.
The Hornets, who traded Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry, are in rebuild mode, so Hayward is better suited to play for another team.
“Two league sources suggested Hayward could be a buyout candidate, a move that’d allow the 33-year-old to sign with a preferred destination,” Boone wrote.
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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets Updates
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 10-31 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. Lowry is expected to be traded after being acquired from the Heat.
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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets Updates
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.
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