2020 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
By Duncan Smith
Gordon Hayward: 4 years, $120 million (Charlotte Hornets)
Gordon Hayward knew what he was doing when he opted out of his $34 million player option earlier this week. Surely, we thought, he’ll sign with the Boston Celtics or elsewhere for more total money over several years. Perhaps three years and $75 million, we thought.
Nope, Gordon Hayward got the bag from Michael Jordan, signing a four-year, $120 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets. He’ll be joining a very young core of players including Devonte’ Graham, P.J. Washington, and the third overall pick in Wednesday’s NBA draft, LaMelo Ball.
Hayward doesn’t exactly mesh with the Hornets’ long-term outlook, considering the youth movement the organization previously appeared to have been on. He should make them too good to tank but not good enough to challenge for a playoff spot, which is a strange and unfortunate place to find oneself in the Eastern Conference.
Gordon Hayward is the second max-level star to leave the Boston Celtics for nothing in as many years, following Kyrie Irving out the door.
Considering the heft of this contract, it’s hard to look favorably on the Hornets as well, so we’re going to divide this grade thusly: