Days after they drafted LaMelo Ball with the 3rd overall pick, the Charlotte Hornets signed free agent forward Gordon Hayward to a massive four-year, $120-million deal. Hayward took to Twitter to express his excitement on joining the Hornets. In reaction, Ball gave his stamp of approval to their big free agent signing with a simple 3-character tweet.
🕺🏽🕺🏽🛸 https://t.co/jcm6fq5cwb
— Melo (@MELOD1P) November 22, 2020
Hayward joining Charlotte definitely came out of left field. Reports over the past few days indicated that the former All-Star had his sights set on joining the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers were reportedly working a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics, now Hayward's former squad, to land their hometown star. However, the deal never came into fruition.
Hayward ends a rather up and down three-year stint with Boston, which includes his debut season where he missed all but five minutes of the 2017-18 campaign after suffering a gruesome leg injury in the season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hayward struggled upon returning to the court the following season, but did bounce back with a solid 2019-20 campaign overall. Last year, he averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, while shooting 50 percent from the field.
Despite a relatively successful 2019-20 campaign with the Celtics, Hayward shockingly declined the player option on the final year of his previous deal to enter free agency. Many didn't think Hayward would get a massive payday considering all of his injuries over the past few years. Alas, he found a team willing to give him another significant payout that would earn him $30 million annually.
Nonetheless, Hayward gets a fresh start with the Hornets. Charlotte has been making some big moves this off-season. LaMelo Ball is certainly an exciting young addition to a team that needs a jolt of energy. Meanwhile, the 30-year old Hayward should bring a veteran star presence that could help launch Charlotte back into playoff contention.
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