Now is the time the Hornets should trade Gordon Hayward

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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With the regular season done and the play-in on the horizon, the Charlotte Hornets find themselves stuck in the same spot as last year, despite being a noticeably improved team.

Being the 10 seed means the Hornets must win two games to make the playoffs. Last year’s squad got humiliated by the Pacers in the 9v10 game, partially due to the absence of its $30 million man, Gordon Hayward.

For the second consecutive year, this team will be without Hayward in the postseason. This is unacceptable.

When Hayward signed his contract reactions were mixed. Some people felt that the team was paying too much for a guy who was in his 30s and had a history of leg injuries that sidelined him multiple times in Boston. Others felt that the contract was fair, and the team would have to overpay a player of that caliber to bring them here.

Regardless of one’s stance on Hayward’s contract, it’s fair to say $30 million a year is too much money for someone who can’t play when it counts.

In this article, I will break down three reasons why the Hornets should move on from Hayward this offseason.

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