The Charlotte Hornets are coming off an impressive haul in the 2020 NBA Draft headlined by selecting LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 overall pick. They followed it up by signing former Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward in free agency.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Hayward is signing a four-year deal worth $120 million with the Hornets.
The contract for Hayward is clearly an overpay given his recent production. There must be confidence from the Hornets that he can recover much of his pre-injury production by playing in more of a feature role— especially alongside a passing talent like Ball.
During the 2019-20 NBA season, Hayward put together a bounce-back season with the Celtics— posting averages of 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He remained in a lesser role by playing alongside Boston’s premier wings but elevated his production from the season prior.
RELATED: Hornets expected to make push to sign Gordon Hayward
Much of the talk about Hayward featured both the Indiana Pacers— centered around a potential sign-and-trade to return back to his hometown. That never ended up occurring and the Pacers will need to either keep their team mostly as constructed, or get creative.
The Charlotte Hornets have put together a genuinely intriguing roster but still have a hole at the center position. Without much cap space with LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, PJ Washington, and Devonte Graham leading the way.
NBA Analysis Network brings you up-to-date information, news, and analysis about Charlotte Hornets, along with all 30 teams in the league. Make sure to give us a follow on Twitter and like our Facebook page.
