Gordon Hayward Linked to Potential Move to Thunder Rival in Free Agency…
Gordon Hayward might seek some payback this offseason.
Denver Nuggets beat writer Harrison Wind recently discussed Hayward as a possible free agency target for the Nuggets in a detailed column. Wind mentioned that several people within the Nuggets organization are known to be “fans” of Hayward.
Hayward, 34, moved from the Charlotte Hornets to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade this past February. However, he played only a limited role for the young Thunder team and expressed his frustrations openly after they were eliminated in the second round. Even Hayward’s wife criticized Thunder GM Sam Presti over the situation.
A switch to the Nuggets, a key rival of the Thunder in the Northwest Division, seems logical for Hayward. Standing at 6-foot-7, he can effectively run a second-unit offense, having averaged 14.5 points and 4.6 assists per game with the Hornets before his trade.
The Nuggets are in dire need of such skills off their bench. Reggie Jackson’s performance dropped significantly in the postseason, Christian Braun is a slightly smaller wing who primarily plays a 3-and-D role, and 21-year-old Peyton Watson may not yet be ready for significant minutes.
With reigning MVP Nikola Jokic turning 30 next season and co-star Jamal Murray approaching 28, the Nuggets need to capitalize on their current championship window. Hayward’s versatility could be incredibly valuable, potentially offering Denver a solid backup plan if a key starter departs in free agency this summer.
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