The Charlotte Hornets confirmed this Sunday night the closing of the signing and transfer of forward Gordon Hayward by the Boston Celtics, who also give them the second-round selections of the 2023 and 2024 college draws.
In exchange, the Hornets give the Celtics a conditional second round in the 2022 college draft.
Before the agreement with the Celtics was closed, the Hornets had already announced the dismissal of veteran French forward Nicolas Batum, who was placed on the discarded list, and in the coming days, any NBA team that wants his services will do so. can sign as a free agent.
At the moment, there is already talk that the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing Batum, 31, who, according to various media sources, is more determined to go with the Californian team.
Batum’s salary from the last season of his contract with the Hornets will be spread over the next three seasons at an annual cost of $ 9 million of dead capital in Charlotte’s team accounts.
While Hayward’s departure from the Celtics leaves the Boston team with a $ 27.9 million commercial exception, the largest in NBA history.
Hayward, 30, who turned down an offer to play with the Celtics for $ 34.2 million for next season, which would have been his fourth with the Boston team, accepted the Hornets’ offer for four and 120. millions of dollars.
“We are delighted to welcome Gordon and his family to the Hornets organization and to Charlotte,” Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “Gordon is an NBA All-Star, a proven scorer and playmaker, and a tough competitor who will be a good fit for our team’s needs,” he added.
