Gordon Hayward announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday. The 34-year-old last played for the Oklahoma City Thunder this past season after he was traded there.
After being drafted with the No. 9 pick in the 2010 NBA draft, Hayward played 14 seasons in the NBA. He spent his first seven seasons with the Utah Jazz. He then split his next seven seasons between the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.
The Thunder acquired Hayward hoping the veteran wing could be a bench contributor. Instead, he underperformed and fizzled out of the playoff rotation.
In his exit interview, Hayward said his role with the Thunder was disappointing and said a lack of touches and playing time led to his subpar play.
Hayward’s full retirement message can be read below:
Thank you 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/fqbw3WML0n
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) August 1, 2024
