Hayward started the 2023-24 season with the Charlotte Hornets, and was an important contributor to the team’s offensive output, averaging 31.9 minutes per game, 14.5 points per game, and 4.6 assists per game.
At the trade deadline, the Thunder made a deal to bring Hayward to Oklahoma City, hoping that he would provide a veteran presence on a young team looking to make a deep playoff run. But Hayward never found his footing with the Thunder, and his production dropped dramatically, playing only 17.2 minutes per game and averaging just 5.3 points per outing.
That production dipped even further in the playoffs, when Hayward eventually found himself outside of Oklahoma City’s rotation. After the Thunder were knocked out of the postseason, Hayward expressed his frustrations with how things played out after his deadline deal.
“Disappointing with how it all kind of worked out. It’s not what I thought it would be. Certainly frustrating,” Hayward said. “I feel like, as a player, I have a lot to offer. Just wasn’t really given much of an opportunity to do that. I thought I was going to get that opportunity.”
With that answer, it feels pretty clear that Hayward isn’t planning on heading back to Oklahoma City. Heading into his 15th NBA season and still seeking a title, could Hayward and the Nuggets be a match for the 2024-25 season?
Time will tell.
