Kofi Inkoom
OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti admitted to reporters during the team’s 2023-24 exit interview that he “missed” on the trade deadline move for forward Gordon Hayward.
“I missed on that. That’s on me, but I’m learning.”
– Sam Presti discussing how while the Gordon Hayward trade was multidimensional (freed up roster spots & Cap), he feels that he misread it & talked about how it’s a learning experience.
Found the self-awareness cool. pic.twitter.com/rJe7f6ASAT
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) May 28, 2024
Reacting to Presti’s statement, Gordon’s wife, Robyn Hayward, questioned in the comments of Bleacher Report’s Instagram why Presti would trade for a player like Gordon Hayward and then not play him.
She pointed out that Gordon had even advised Presti before the trade that it didn’t make sense, but the deal went through anyway. Robyn expressed her confusion, asking,
“Why trade for someone and not play them? … missed it by not integrating him 😆🤷🏼♀️,” adding, “not sure if you know this… but you need the ball in order to shoot it…”
She continued, “since I have time today… before the trade Gordon told Sam he didn’t think this trade made sense so how can you miss when the player told you…” ( instagram link )
This all follows Gordon Hayward’s own comments from a week earlier, where he expressed his disappointment over not being given much opportunity on the Thunder team, especially during the playoffs.
“Disappointing with how it all kind of worked out,” Hayward said. “Certainly frustrating. I feel as a player, I have a lot to offer. Just wasn’t really given much of an opportunity to do that. I thought I would be given that opportunity.” He added, “It’s not what I thought it would be.”
In 25 games for the Charlotte Hornets this season, the 6’7″ Hayward averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. The 34-year-old was traded to OKC in February for Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, Vasilije Micić, cash, and two second-round picks (2024, 2025).
However, Hayward’s playing time significantly decreased, averaging just 17.2 minutes in 26 games for OKC compared to 31.9 minutes per game in Charlotte. He then played only 46 minutes over seven playoff games for the Thunder, sitting out three games entirely.
Now a free agent, it seems unlikely that Hayward will return to OKC. Yet, based on his performance with the Hornets, the 14-year NBA veteran still has plenty to offer. It’s just a matter of finding a team where he fits better as he continues his career.