Gordon Hayward, a versatile small forward, has had an impressive career in the NBA, spanning over a decade. Throughout his time in the league, he has signed several lucrative contracts that have solidified his status as one of the league’s top players. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into the details of Hayward’s contract history, highlighting the key milestones and financial figures that have shaped his professional journey.
Rookie Contract with the Utah Jazz (2010-2013)
Hayward’s NBA career began in 2010 when he was drafted by the Utah Jazz as the 9th overall pick. His rookie contract with the Jazz spanned four years, from 2010 to 2013, with a total value of $11,051,183. This contract had an average annual salary of $2,762,796, which was in line with the rookie-scale exception that Hayward signed under.
Maximum Contract with the Utah Jazz (2014-2017)
After his successful rookie contract, Hayward entered the 2014 offseason as a restricted free agent. The Jazz, recognizing his potential, offered him a maximum contract that kept him in Utah for an additional four years, from 2014 to 2017. This contract had a total value of $62,965,420, with an average annual salary of $15,741,355. Hayward signed this deal using his Bird Rights, which allowed the Jazz to exceed the salary cap to retain him.
Maximum Contract with the Boston Celtics (2017-2020)
In the summer of 2017, Hayward made a significant career move by signing a maximum contract with the Boston Celtics. This four-year deal, from 2017 to 2020, had a total value of $127,829,970, with an average annual salary of $31,957,493. Hayward signed this contract using the Celtics’ cap space, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.
Sign-and-Trade Contract with the Charlotte Hornets (2020-2023)
After three seasons with the Celtics, Hayward’s next move was a sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Charlotte Hornets in 2020. This four-year contract, from 2020 to 2023, had a total value of $120,000,000, with an average annual salary of $30,000,000. Hayward signed this deal using the sign-and-trade mechanism, which allowed the Hornets to acquire him while staying within the salary cap constraints.
Career Earnings and Recent Trade
Over the course of his NBA career, Gordon Hayward has amassed a total of $270,204,146 in earnings. This impressive figure highlights the financial success he has achieved through his lucrative contracts and his status as one of the league’s premier players.
In a recent trade, Hayward was moved from the Charlotte Hornets to the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 8, 2024. The trade details included the Thunder receiving Hayward, while the Hornets acquired Tre Mann, Davis Bertans, Vasilije Micic, a 2024 2nd round pick, and a 2025 2nd round pick.
Retirement
After a remarkable career spanning over a decade, Gordon Hayward announced his retirement from professional basketball on August 1, 2024. In his retirement statement, Hayward expressed his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he had throughout his NBA journey, saying, “Today, I am officially retiring from the game of Basketball. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined.”
Gordon Hayward’s contract history is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the value he has brought to the teams he has played for. From his rookie contract with the Utah Jazz to his maximum deals with the Jazz, Celtics, and Hornets, Hayward’s financial success has been a reflection of his on-court contributions and the high regard in which he is held by NBA organizations. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, Hayward’s legacy as a skilled and accomplished NBA player will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of basketball enthusiasts.
Reference:
– Gordon Hayward’s NBA Career Stats
– Gordon Hayward’s Contract Details
