After Gordon Hayward opted out of his player option earlier this week, he was linked to several teams. While Hayward is a very talented player, he is also injury-prone, which makes him a risky prospect. However, it looks like Hayward has found the team he wants to play with.

The Charlotte Hornets have been targeting Hayward for years, and now they finally have him. The lucrative 4 year, $120 million contract took everyone by surprise.

The Hornets reportedly had an approximate cap space of $20 million and were one of the four franchises who fell below the $109 million cap.

However, Hayward was also very keen on joining the Hornets before. In 2014’s offseason, he had signed the offer sheet with them but when Utah matched that deal, he went back to them.

Hayward had joined the Boston Celtics in 2017. Last season, he averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, while shooting 50% from the field. But it looks like Gordon is extremely thrilled to be joining the Hornets.

Gordon Hayward thanks Boston Celtics for everything

Hayward took to Twitter to show how grateful he was to the entire franchise. He wrote, “To the city of Boston, thank you for embracing me as your own these last 3 years.

“I cannot say thank you enough to all the fans, my teammates, coaches, and everyone in the organization I built such strong relationships with.

“I know there were some ups and downs, but I will always cherish my experience in Boston. I am forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to wear a @Celtics uniform and play in front of the Garden faithful,” he concluded.

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That wasn’t the end of it. He also wrote about how much he is looking forward to playing for the Hornets. “To the city of Charlotte, I can’t wait to start the next chapter in my career! I am ready to play for another incredible organization with the @Hornets. Let’s get it!” he posted. 

The Hornets have just drafted LaMelo Ball as the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. After being 10 wins behind a place in the postseason, LaMelo and Hayward are a chance to change that. Can the Hornets finally be a championship-caliber team?