We never could have traded a FA to a team where he didn't want to sign
Every story close to the situation suggested that Indiana was his first choice, and that the offer on the table was well in excess of $25 million per season. Hayward simply didn’t have an avenue to Indiana.
I think there was an avenue, but wasn't a sure thing as things weren't progressing fast enough, so when the Hornets came with the massive offer he essentially was forced to take it... FA money waits for no one.
But if things progressed quickly enough, then Gordon would've preferred gong to Indy.
I know BOS and IND were talking about a deal before FA, but once FA began, Jordan was on the phone with Hayward that night and the deal was essentially made. It's been said a million times, but Hayward's agent would have done a horrible job if he just okayed a deal w/o seeing what else was out there first.
It also can't be said enough - $120M is not the same as $100M - especially for someone as injury-prone as Hayward. And can you imagine if we had signed him to that contract? People are lining up at Kemba's front door with torches and pitchforks, but Hayward essentially had the same statistical season as Kemba.
The same statistical season?
Walker 19.3/4.0/4.9 .420/.360/.899
Hayward 19.6/5.9/4.1 .473/.415/.843
First off that's just not true, and second, this isn't a fantasy league. One is a highly efficient player, and the other maybe shouldn't shoot so much.
Hayward compliments other players. Walker needs other players to compliment him. Hayward is far more valuable.
Hayward has had injuries at key moments, but those injuries haven't closed any windows. He's not dealing with a chronic decline. You have to take a chance with your best option at some point and rolling with 3 big two way wings who could do it all was it for this franchise. Dallas isn't going to trade Luka Doncic to us for Jaylen Brown. We have to win the old fashioned way or not at all.