The Oklahoma City Thunder have one of the most loaded rosters in the league. As the All-Star break approaches, the Thunder are in a three-way tie for the top seed in the Western Conference with Minnesota and Denver. GM Sam Presti decided the team needed another veteran. The Thunder have acquired Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets.
Oklahoma City Thunder Acquire Gordon Hayward
The Oklahoma City Thunder are finalizing a trade to send G Tre Mann and F Davis Bertans to the Charlotte Hornets for Gordon Hayward, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/8R72JA5SGR
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2024
Shockingly, the deal does not involve any of the picks the Oklahoma City Thunder have. The Hornets are receiving G Tre Mann and F Daniel Bertens. Mann is a talented young guard who cannot find playing time behind the logjam of talent on the Thunder. Bertens is there to make the contracts work. Hayward will be a free agent after this season.
It is no secret the Hornets wanted to move on from Hayward. Injuries have plagued him for years. He has played 52 games or fewer in each of the past five seasons. Hayward is currently dealing with a calf issue. What are the Oklahoma City Thunder getting with Hayward?
Oklahoma City Thunder & Gordon Hayward Fit
When he is on the court, Hayward gives good size and shooting at the wing position, something the Oklahoma City Thunder desperately need. The 34-year-old has averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game this season. His impact should go beyond the stat sheet.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a very young team. Hayward brings a veteran presence to a team looking to win now. While many thought this team would be good, not many had them as the number one seed in the West. Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgrem, and a plethora of young talent, this team has exceeded expectations. Success is never guaranteed for long periods of time, and Presti seems to think this is the time to go for it.
This is a great move for the Thunder. They get a solid veteran who fills a need and doesn’t have to give up much to get him. Even if he only plays 15-20 minutes a game, that is huge for this team. Gordon Hayward will likely be better when he doesn’t have to be the number one option. Will this be the only move we see from the Thunder today?
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Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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