Hornets get Hayward from Celtics via sign-and-trade

Gordon Hayward is heading to Charlotte via a sign-and-trade. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Hornets acquire Gordon Hayward from Celtics via sign-and-trade

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/29/20

The Boston Celtics have pulled off a sign-and-trade of Gordon Hayward after all.

Boston announced Sunday that it has traded Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets for a future second-round pick. The trade also creates a trade exception for the Celtics, which likely will be worth $30 million because Hayward is set to make $30 million per season with the Hornets.

We have traded Gordon Hayward and 2 future second round draft picks to the @hornets in exchange for a conditional future second round draft pick. The sign-and-trade agreement also creates a trade exception for Boston.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 29, 2020

The Celtics can now use that $30 million to sign a player it acquires via free agency or trade within the next year.

Boston could end up landing a solid player for $30 million, and the C's could even end up getting James Harden if they make a few more moves. It's unlikely, but always a possibility.

The Hornets made room for Hayward by waiving Nic Batum and his $27.1 million salary using the league's stretch provision on Sunday.

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