Fansided

5 teams that got worse during 2020 NBA free agency

By Bryan Toporek

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 23: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts to block Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics shot during the third quarter of the game at TD Garden on December 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 23: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts to block Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics shot during the third quarter of the game at TD Garden on December 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

5. Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are the NBA’s equivalent of the “I’ve won… but at what cost?” meme.

In signing Gordon Hayward to a four-year, $120 million contract — and getting two future second-round picks to turn it into a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics — the Hornets improved their outlook for the 2020-21 season. However, Hayward’s contract has been universally panned as the worst deal handed out in free agency, and the decision to sign him will likely cap their ceiling as a first-round playoff knockout for the next few years.

After a gruesome foot injury derailed the start of his tenure in Boston, Hayward rounded back into form this past season, averaging 17.5 points on 50.0 percent shooting, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He’ll immediately slot in as the Hornets’ best player, but the 30-year-old is closer to the tail of his prime than the start of it.

The Hornets are also placing a nine-figure bet on Hayward’s health, which seems likely to backfire. He told reporters in July that he had been dealing with soreness and nerve issues in his left foot all season, according to Tom Westerholm of MassLive, and he received three cortisone shots early last season to help combat the pain.

Even if Hayward does stay healthy, will he be worth nearly $40 million over each of the next three years? Because to create enough salary-cap space to sign him, the Hornets decided to waive and stretch the final year of Nicolas Batum‘s contract, giving them an annual $9 million dead cap hit through the 2022-23 campaign.

On paper, the Hornets got better during free agency. But between the concerns about Hayward’s health moving forward and the way in which they eviscerated their future financial flexibility, any short-term upgrade will likely be offset by a long-term downgrade.

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