The Knicks reportedly increased their initial offer for now Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward from two years to four, according to Marc Stein of the NY Times.
Many thought Hayward was crazy when he walked away from a $34.2 million dollar extension with the Boston Celtics. As it turns out, Hayward was right to bet on his agents negotiating tactics. Mark Bartelstein, Haywards agent, was able to secure him $120 million over four years with Charlotte.
Hayward averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Boston Celtics last year. His shooting from three and playmaking ability definitely could have helped the Knicks. According to Marc Stein, not only did the Knicks aggressively pursue Hayward, but noted coach Tom Thibodeau as a “lead admirer”. In the end, though, the Knicks simply couldn’t stomach offering Hayward as big of a deal as Charlotte.
The Knicks still may have an opportunity to get involved in the Gordon Hayward trade by being the third team able to absorb salary for Charlotte to make it happen. This has been the Knicks strategy all offseason and if they can add additional draft capital for taking on Nicolas Batum, it would be another high mark for Leon Rose’ conservative approach.
CP from KnicksFanTV discussed the possibility of signing Hayward as the rumors began to swirl when free agency kicked off. Check it out below.
