Gordon Hayward Announces Retirement After 14 Seasons in NBA, Including Stint with Oklahoma City Thunder
Free Agent Forward Opts to End Career After 4-Year, $120 Million Deal
Gordon Hayward, the 33-year-old NBA veteran, has announced his retirement from basketball. The free agent forward played his final season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, bringing an end to a 14-year NBA career that included stops with the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, and Charlotte Hornets.
Impressive NBA Journey
Hayward was drafted by the Jazz with the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player, averaging over 15 points per game and earning an All-Star selection in 2017. After seven seasons in Utah, Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Celtics in 2017.
However, Hayward's tenure in Boston was marred by injuries. He suffered a gruesome ankle injury in his first game with the team, which limited him to just one season in full health. After two more injury-plagued campaigns, Hayward was traded to the Hornets in 2020.
Final Season with Oklahoma City Thunder
Hayward joined the Thunder on a one-year deal this past season, averaging 11.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. The Thunder acquired him in a trade that sent Dennis Schröder to the Celtics. While Hayward's statistics weren't overly impressive, he provided leadership and veteran presence to a rebuilding young team.
Retirement Decision
Hayward's retirement announcement comes as no surprise, as he is in the final year of his massive four-year, $120 million deal. He has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, and it appears that he has decided to prioritize his health and family over continuing to play basketball.
Hayward's retirement marks the end of an era in the NBA. He was one of the most promising young players in the league when he entered the draft, and he had some impressive moments throughout his career. However, injuries ultimately took their toll, and Hayward has decided to call it a day.
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