The Charlotte Hornets received a scare when forward Gordon Hayward was forced to exit Monday's game against the Toronto Raptors with a left ankle sprain in the first quarter. On Tuesday, the Hornets were dealt a huge Hayward injury update ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline, as reported by Marc Stein.

Per Stein, Hornets forward Gordon Hayward is out indefinitely with sprained ligaments in his left ankle. This is a huge- and poorly timed- injury update ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

Hayward has been a big part of the Hornets' push for the playoff this season, as he has averaged 16.1 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game and 1.0 steals per contest. Now, Charlotte will have to move forward without his presence after this tough injury update.

Not only that, but any possibility of a Hayward trade, however slim, is now out the window after this injury update. The ankle is the same one that the veteran forward injured during his time with the Boston Celtics, so it would make sense for the Hornets to be extra careful with the 31-year-old.

This Gordon Hayward injury update is not what Hornets fans wanted to hear after they saw him exit the game against the Raptors Monday night. Stay tuned for more updates.