The Oklahoma City Thunder had established themselves among the NBA's powerhouses well before the 2024 trade deadline. Although not in need of a move, the franchise still got busy. It acquired Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets, which convinced many that the top Western Conference team had just improved.
While the former All-Star was past his prime and far from the player he once was with the Utah Jazz, he was still viewed as a helpful contributor and someone who could instantly upgrade any team's bench.
It became apparent that the fit between both parties would never manifest for various reasons. Hayward muddled through the second half of the season on the Thunder's bench as the team continued making waves.
After Oklahoma City's postseason exit, Gordon clarified his thoughts on the season, suggesting an overall negative experience and one he wished he could have back. Not long after that, the forward called it a career by announcing his retirement.
Hayward's extended remarks
Although the 6-foot-7 wingman had been injured for most of his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets last season, he still averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, which gave many the indication he'd thrive for a young Thunder team.
However, he struggled to find his place on the team and ultimately assessed his time in OKC as "disappointing" and "frustrating" before conveying that he could have contributed much more.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, the former Jazz star reflected on his time with the Thunder and gave plenty of insight into how he was blindsided by his role with the Blue and Orange.
So, in my mind, I'm thinking, 'Why do you guys need me? You're doing fine.' I was told [by Sam Presti], 'No, we need you, and we believe you can help us out.' But it was one of those things where I said, 'I don't necessarily want to ring chase," explained the former NBA star. "If you want me to come be there, I want to play because I think I can help. I'm not necessarily doing much wrong, but I'm not doing anything right because I play such limited minutes. I'm just kind of out there. Then it got to the point where I wasn't just playing at all, so it was like, 'Why did you trade for me?"
Hayward's ill-fitted role was another example of how tough it has become to earn a spot in the Thunder's rotation. OKC continues to onboard young talent seemingly every season, which requires even the rotational players to perform their best to ensure their spots remain permanent.
With the recent influx of young star talent, head coach Mark Daigneault found incorporating the 34-year-old into the lineup rugged. While Gordon felt he could have delivered in critical moments, especially as an experienced postseason player, OKC went in a different direction.
"I was never told I was going just to come in and sit in the corner," Hayward continued. "So I get it from their end. I could have helped. I truly believed I could have helped but had no ill will toward them. I think they're going to be good. You see a lot of young Boston in them with their talent. I wish them the best."
Realizing he wouldn't have much of a role if he opted to return for another NBA season, the one-time All-Star decided he gave enough to basketball. Donning No. 20 for the Jazz, he was a standout forward and was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in a conference jam-packed with elite wings.
Before a gruesome ankle injury in his first game as a Boston Celtic, the Butler product was a No. 1 option and someone capable of scoring 30 points on any given night. Although his career ended in murky fashion, he remains one of the best players of an iconic 2010s decade.
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