Michael Jordan is the GOAT on the court, but the WOAT in the front office.
MJ’s tenure as Charlotte Hornets owner hasn’t gone according to plan. Buzz City is frequently near the bottom of the East standings and is taken advantage of in trades and free agent deals. Look no further than Gordon Hayward’s contract, which he signed on Saturday. Charlotte is paying Hayward $30 million per season for four years, far more than he’s worth at this juncture of his career. It’s great news for Hayward, but a tough break for Hornets fans that want to see their franchise put the best possible product on the court.
Hayward is still a solid enough player, and someone has to score for the Hornets. But it remains a stain on Jordan’s resume and now his checkbook.
Social media came after MJ for another brutal contract, this time handed out to Gordon Hayward
The Hornets: *no longer have one of the NBA's worst contracts*
— Blue Wire (@bluewirepods) November 21, 2020
Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/0Yl5pa7r1g
CRAZY to pay Gordon Hayward 30 million a year for the next four years.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 21, 2020
Michael Jordan. The GOAT as a player, but man is he bad as an owner.
Gordon Hayward pitching Michael Jordan and the Hornets to sign him to a max deal 💰
— George Jarjour (@GeorgeOnTap) November 21, 2020
pic.twitter.com/KKUV0HW1lR
LeBron is 100 times better at putting together teams than Michael Jordan and it’s not even his job yet
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) November 21, 2020
When asked why he gave Gordon Hayward $120 Million, Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan says, “Republicans make bad deals, too,” sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/LAYTyvjSU1
— Better Woj (@BetterWoj) November 21, 2020
In 17 NBA seasons, Michael Jordan made $93.8 million. https://t.co/4SB4oj0DBe
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) November 21, 2020
Michael Jordan when he sees he can overpay and average player: https://t.co/5vN8sg5GRC
— Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) November 21, 2020
Years ago Michael Jordan was upset at Jerry Krause when Krause was seeking some form of credit for building the 90s Bulls
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) November 21, 2020
Several years later and Jordan is now an owner and hasn’t been able to build a consistent playoff team for years now. https://t.co/uQ0Z1wuBIA
Gordon Hayward: $30,000,000
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 21, 2020
Nicolas Batum: $27,130,434
Terry Rozier: $18,900,000
Cody Zeller: $15,415,730
just had to type it out to see it with my own two eyes.
This is the same team that gave Nicolas Batum a near-max contract, so it’s not surprising to see them over-spending on a past-prime Hayward. The Hornets could be a fun team to watch next season, and if you forget a second about the payroll, they’re worth the League Pass package. LaMelo Ball on the court with Hayward and Devonta Graham makes for an intriguing young team.
Is that enough to compete for a playoff spot in the East? For Jordan’s sake, we hope so.