Gordon Hayward’s wife defended him after Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti said he made a mistake by trading him.
Following a candid remark from Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti about veteran player Gordon Hayward, his wife Robyn stepped up to address the issue. In response to Presti’s characterization of the Hayward trade as a miscalculation, Robyn questioned the logic behind acquiring him if they weren’t committed to giving him a fair chance.
Robyn took to social media to express her views, highlighting the lack of integration of Hayward into the team’s strategy. “Why trade for someone and not play them? Missed it by not integrating him,” she wrote. Robyn also revealed that Hayward had expressed skepticism about the trade’s rationale to Presti beforehand, raising questions about the decision-making process.
Hayward, aged 34, was traded to the Thunder in February in exchange for Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic, cash, and two second-round picks. Despite his seasoned experience, Hayward struggled to make an impact, averaging 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 45% shooting in 26 regular-season games.
Presti, owning up to the misstep, admitted fault in the Hayward deal during a recent press conference. “I missed on that. That’s on me. But I’m learning,” Presti stated, emphasizing his commitment to understanding the team dynamics. “Trying to learn this team… Just trying to be a great observer of this team as it’s going through its paces… I don’t think I read that one perfectly.”
Throughout the season and into the playoffs, Gordon Hayward faced challenges finding his rhythm on the court. His performance dwindled during critical moments, with significant stretches of scoreless play. As Hayward enters free agency this summer, his future in the NBA remains uncertain, especially after Presti’s critical evaluation.
Given Presti’s remarks, Hayward’s prospects may seem bleak. However, as a former NBA All-Star and a consistent 20+ points-per-game scorer for the Utah Jazz, he has a legacy to be proud of, regardless of what lies ahead.
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