Charlotte Hornets: The Gordon Hayward Situation 2022 Offseason

It’s no secret that Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward has had some pretty unlucky setbacks in his career. He’s played for three teams since entering the league in 2010, but his All-Star-caliber Utah Jazz days are far behind him.

His struggles with Boston were largely due to his ankle injury and the lack of cohesion with the Celtics’ 2017-18 squad. With Charlotte, Hayward has regained some pep in his step, but a looming contract and a win-now Hornets team raises questions about the forward’s future.

Hayward was dealt to Charlotte in 2020 and signed a four-year $120 million dollar deal with the team. Averaging 15.9 PPG, he’s embraced a leadership role on a squad stacked with young talent, and his value to the team is real. But should Charlotte keep him?

Hayward has suffered multiple injuries, and he’s played in only 93 out of 164 games since joining the Hornets, so to question his consistency is valid.

Because of his unpredictability and recurring injuries, it’s fair to say that Charlotte may not be able to count on Hayward for consistent minutes in the coming season, but his mentorship role and positive locker room presence make it difficult to part ways easily. Charlotte could continue with his current contract and see what he brings to the team in 2022-2023.