Tobias Harris #12 reacts with De'Anthony Melton #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have enjoyed a highly productive offseason, significantly enhancing their roster. As they approach the new season, they have the opportunity to bring in veteran free agents at a bargain, and one name stands out: Gordon Hayward.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report recently highlighted why Hayward could be an ideal fit for the Sixers. Bailey noted that Philadelphia’s revamped supporting cast around stars Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid could benefit from an experienced forward like Hayward. He emphasized Hayward’s efficiency, particularly his 38.5% three-point shooting over the past five seasons, making him a potent catch-and-shoot option. Additionally, Hayward’s ability to exploit mismatches against lower-tier defenders adds further value.
Though Hayward’s best years, including his All-Star season with the Utah Jazz in 2017, are behind him, his versatility remains. However, his history of injuries presents a risk. Since his major injury with the Celtics in 2017, Hayward has struggled to stay on the court, playing over 70 games just once in the last seven seasons.
Despite this, a smaller role with the Sixers could mitigate this risk, allowing Hayward to contribute without the physical toll of a primary role. While no official reports have linked Hayward to Philadelphia, his addition could be a strategic move to bolster the team’s depth and experience.
Hayward’s recent stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he averaged 5.3 points on efficient shooting, showed he could still be effective in a reduced role. If the Sixers pursue him, they could secure a valuable player at a reasonable cost, potentially reestablishing Hayward as an impactful presence in the NBA.
