Hayward announced Thursday via social media that he has retired from professional basketball.
After an outstanding two-year collegiate run at Butler, Hayward entered the professional ranks and was selected by the Jazz with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. A one-time All-Star, Hayward carved out a productive 14-year career that included stops with the Celtics, Hornets and Thunder in addition to Utah. He appeared in 835 regular-season games, averaging 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 three-pointers in 30.7 minutes per contest. After struggling to see minutes with the Thunder following a midseason trade in 2023-24 before becoming a free agent this offseason, Hayward is opting to step away from the game rather than looking to catch on with a contender in a back-end rotation role.
Thunder's Gordon Hayward: Struggles continue Saturday
Rotowire
Hayward had four rebounds and one assist across eight minutes during Saturday's 106-85 victory over the Pelicans in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Hayward continues to be nothing more than a depth piece for the Thunder, logging just eight minutes in the victory. While he does provide the team with a veteran presence, Hayward is not viewed as a key on-court piece.
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Thunder's Gordon Hayward: Back to bench
Rotowire
Hayward will return to a reserve role in Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Mavericks, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.
With Josh Giddey back in the starting lineup, Hayward will come off the bench. The veteran forward has averaged 4.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 16.2 minutes in 22 games off the bench this season.
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Thunder's Gordon Hayward: Quiet in spot start
Rotowire
Hayward posted six points (3-4 FG, 0-1 FT), six rebounds, two assists and two steals across 26 minutes during Friday's 125-107 victory over Milwaukee.
Hayward moved into the starting lineup, replacing Josh Giddey who was a late scratch due to a hip issue. Despite the promotion, Hayward failed to produce anything of note, continuing a disappointing trend. At this stage, his value to the team can be measured only in real life as opposed to fantasy.
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Thunder's Gordon Hayward: Enters starting lineup
Rotowire
Hayward will start Friday's game against the Bucks, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.
Josh Giddey is out with a hip issue, so the Thunder will turn to the veteran. In 24 appearances with the Thunder, Hayward holds averages of 5.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
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