The New York Knicks have already made significant moves this offseason, but they still have opportunities to enhance their roster. Among the free agents available is Gordon Hayward, a former All-Star who could provide valuable depth to the Knicks’ lineup.
In a July 18 article, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley advocated for the Knicks to consider signing Hayward. Buckley acknowledged that while Hayward’s peak All-Star years are behind him, he remains a dependable player who can contribute in scoring and playmaking. Despite a less productive season last year, Hayward managed to average 9.8 points and 3.1 assists per game with a solid shooting line of 46.4% from the field, 41.1% from three-point range, and 74.2% from the free-throw line.
Historically, the Celtics, one of the Knicks’ rivals, signed Hayward to a max contract due to his impressive performance in his prime. Now 34 years old, Hayward is no longer an All-Star but is still considered a versatile wing. He recently concluded a four-year, $120 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets.
However, signing Hayward comes with risks. Since leaving the Utah Jazz in 2017, he has frequently been sidelined due to injuries. Hayward’s career took a major hit with a severe injury during his first game with the Celtics, and he has struggled with various health issues since then. His last full season was in 2018-19 with the Celtics, where he played over 70 games but was still recovering from his injury. Since then, he has appeared in only 44 to 52 games per season, and his injury history continues to be a concern.
Additionally, Hayward’s recent stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder was disappointing. Acquired at the trade deadline, he played a minimal role and was largely ineffective during the playoffs, averaging just 6.6 minutes per game over seven games.
For the Knicks, adding Hayward would mean accepting the likelihood of him missing some games due to his injury history. This risk is particularly relevant given the Knicks’ recent playoff struggles, which were partly attributed to injuries. Despite these concerns, if the Knicks can secure Hayward on a minimum deal, it could be a low-risk move with the potential for positive returns.
Why Signing Gordon Hayward Could Be a Risk Worth Embracing
Although Hayward carries an injury risk, offering him a veteran’s minimum contract poses minimal downside. Both the Celtics and the Hornets faced challenges with Hayward due to his max contract, which ultimately did not deliver the expected results. His injuries rendered him less valuable relative to the high salary he was paid, leading to difficulties in trading him until the end of his contract.
For the Knicks, a veteran’s minimum contract would be a low-risk move. If Hayward doesn’t perform as hoped, the Knicks can easily part ways with him. At this point in his career, Hayward is unlikely to secure another max contract. If he succeeds with the Knicks, he could provide a valuable boost; if not, the impact would be manageable.
