Gordon Hayward Signs 4-Year Deal With Charlotte Hornets
BOSTON (CBS) – Gordon Hayward has made a decision, and he won't be landing with the Indiana Pacers after all. Instead, the former Celtics forward is going to Charlotte.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported on Saturday afternoon that Hayward agreed to a 4-year, $120 million deal with the Hornets.
Free agent Gordon Hayward is signing a 4-year, $120M deal with Charlotte, per source.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Hayward confirmed the news on Twitter with a series of tweets in which he thanked the Celtics and their fans, while also expressing excitement for his next chapter with Charlotte:
To the city of Boston, thank you for embracing me as your own these last 3 years. I cannot say thank you enough to all the fans, my teammates, coaches and everyone in the organization I built such strong relationships with. pic.twitter.com/xsxD05EVKz
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) November 21, 2020
I know there were some ups and downs, but I will always cherish my experience in Boston. I am forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to wear a @Celtics uniform and play in front of the Garden faithful.
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) November 21, 2020
To the city of Charlotte, I can't wait to start the next chapter in my career! I am ready to play for another incredible organization with the @Hornets. Let's get it! pic.twitter.com/jpo2HJByaY
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) November 21, 2020
Hayward had previous interest in a move to Charlotte. He signed an offer sheet with the Hornets in the 2014 offseason, but Utah matched and he returned to the Jazz.
Marc Stein of the New York Times had reported late Friday that Indiana remained Hayward's "preferred destination." That would have required the Pacers and Celtics to agree to a sign-and-trade deal.
Hayward was a free agent after opting out of his final year with the Celtics, passing up a $34 million payday for the 2020-21 season.