Gordon Hayward will head to the Charlotte Hornets on a 4-year $120 million deal per ESPN.
Just when the Indy native expressed interest in the Indiana Pacers, the Hornets emerged on the scene with a max deal.
Hayward in five games during the post season averaged 10 points after returning from a Grade 3 right ankle sprain.
For the Pacers, the reality is simple. Adding a spot-up shooter such as Hayward given his history of injuries wouldn’t fair well. Indy had four players last season battled tested with injuries and who knows what this upcoming season will bring.
“The Pacers can’t afford him under the salary cap. After agreeing to terms with Justin Holiday on Friday night, Indiana has around $5 million left to spend before hitting the salary cap’s tax. The Pacers have rarely exceeded the tax threshold.In order to add Hayward, Indiana needs to off-load a salary,” per Indy Star.
Hayward is heading into his 11th NBA season and averaged 17.5 points per game last season.
Click on the next page for people clowning Michael Jordan over the signing.