Hornets land big prize in Hayward
Pursuit finally pays off, with forward set to sign four-year, $120M deal
The Charlotte Hornets have wanted Gordon Hayward for years. On Saturday, they finally landed him, according to Priority Sports, the agency that represents the veteran forward. A person with knowledge of the terms, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn’t been signed, told The Associated Press that Hayward will sign a four-year contract worth $120 million (U.S.).
Hayward’s future was one of the top questions when NBA free agency opened Friday night, and the answer came quickly Saturday.
Hayward turned down a $34million option for this season with Boston, and the Celtics were in talks with other teams, including Indiana, on potential sign-and-trade deals.
Instead, it appears Hayward will walk away as a free agent.
Hayward agreed to a four-year offer sheet worth about $63 million with the Hornets in 2014, a deal that was matched by the Utah Jazz — Hayward’s original team. He left the Jazz for Boston in 2017, saw his first season with the Celtics end on opening night of the 2017-18 season when he suffered a horrible lower leg injury, then averaged 14.0 points per game over the following two seasons.
In other matters Saturday:
> Atlanta: Guard Rajon Rondo took to Instagram to post what appeared to be a farewell message to the Lakers, ending the post with “Now, what’s next …” He answered that by agreeing to a two-year deal with the Hawks, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told AP. Rondo became the latest addition in a busy two days for Atlanta. The Hawks agreed with guard Kris Dunn earlier Saturday on a two-year contract worth $10 million. And Atlanta also agreed Friday with Danilo Gallinari on a three-year deal. > Boston: Tristan Thompson agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract to join the Celtics. The Brampton native averaged 9.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in nine seasons with Cleveland and played a key part in the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship. > Denver: Paul Millsap is staying with the Nuggets on a oneyear deal worth around $10 million. The newswas first reported by the Athletic and the Denver Post.
> Miami: The Heat agreed to a two-year deal starting at $5.9 million for this season with top defensive guard Avery Bradley, agent Charles Briscoe said. Bradley has averaged 11.8 points in his career. He spent last season with the Lakers but did not accompany them to the NBA restart bubble at Walt Disney World.
> Milwaukee: Priority Sports announced that Bobby Portis, who averaged 10.1 points last season for New York, agreed to a deal with the Bucks. Later Saturday, Milwaukee and guard D.J. Augustin agreed on a threeyear contract. ESPN said that deal was worth $21 million.
> New York: Two days after they declined his contract option, the Knicks agreed to re-sign point guard Elfrid Payton on a one-year, $5 million deal, according to the New York Daily News. The Knicks had been touted as contenders for Raptors guard Fred VanVleet.
> Phoenix: Forward Jae Crowder, a big part of Miami’s run last season to the NBA Finals, agreed on a three-year contract that will be worth nearly $30 million to join the Phoenix Suns, according to a person familiar with those negotiations. Crowder became a starter last season for the Heat and averaged 12.0 points in Miami’s playoff run.
> Portland: Carmelo Anthony is coming back for an 18th season, agreeing Saturday night on a one-year deal to remain with the Trail Blazers, a person with knowledge of the agreement confirmed. Anthony is currently 15th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 26,446 points.