According to a recent report, Miami Heat forward Gordon Hayward might be a potential trade target for the Charlotte Hornets. However, the Heat may face competition from the Dallas Mavericks for the veteran.
The report isn’t the first time Deveney has mentioned the Heat’s interest in Hayward. Only three months ago, the journalist reported that an unnamed NBA executive told him that the Heat would keep an eye on Hayward.
Hayward, 32, is in his third season with said Hornets after accepting a four-year contract, $120 million agreement in 2020. He’s earning $30.1 million this season and will reach $31.5 million in the final year of his contract deal in the upcoming season.
Hayward appeared in the Hornets’ first eight games this season but missed the November 2 game against the Chicago Bulls due to a shoulder ailment. As a result of that difficulty, he has yet to return to court.
Injuries have significantly impacted Hayward’s career, starting with a season-ending ankle injury in the first play of the 2017-18 season. That injury occurred in his first game with the Celtics after signing as a free agent over the offseason.
Hayward returned to play 72 games the following season but only 52 games in 2019-20. He has yet to play 50 games in a season since joining the Hornets.
Despite his troubled past, the Heat are interested in adding Hayward to their roster. The veteran can still contribute on the court, albeit not at the same level he was before his injury with the Celtics.
Before his shoulder injury this season, he averaged 17.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in eight games while also hitting 35.7 percent of his three-point attempts.
The Heat have a 7-8 record this season after falling to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, snapping a three-game winning streak. The team’s inconsistency has fueled speculation about potential trades, including one featuring Duncan Robinson.
The Heat’s ability to execute any trade for Hayward is contingent on several circumstances. These include the Mavericks’ ability to compete in trade talks and salary cap difficulties.
For the time being, the Heat are merely looking to start a fresh winning streak, which might begin on Friday night when they visit the Washington Wizards.