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Gordon Hayward reportedly viewed as “Plan B” of the Miami Heat by rival exec

Gordon Hayward-Hornets-Heat interest

Photo: Kent Smith/ NBAE via Getty Images

The Miami Heat are constantly looking for ways to improve every offseason, and the 2022 NBA offseason is no different for Pat Riley and co. The Heat has involved in different trade scenarios regarding Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell.

Several insiders suggested Miami do not possess the assets to make a competitive offer for the two superstars. So, they are looking for other ways to add talent in their roster ahead of the 2022-23 season campaign.

Sean Deveney of Heavy spoke to an executive who believes acquiring Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets is Miami’s “Plan B.” The executive also said the Heat have shown interest in Hayward in past years.

He actually previously visited Miami for a meeting in 2017, but a deal never came to fruition, as the forward joined the,then, up-and-coming Boston Celtics. Hayward inked a four-year, $120 million contract with the Hornets in 2020.

However, several injuries following him from his stint in Boston prevented him from becoming a significant piece for Charlotte. The former Utah Jazz standout suffered a season-ending ankle injury in February.

He averaged 15.9 points per contest before his season-ending injury. He appeared in just 44 games in the 2020-21 season and 49 games in the 2021-22 season. Hayward would surely help the Heat fill the hole left by P.J. Tucker’s departure this offseason.

However, the question remains if the Heat are willing to take $60 million under their salary cap for an injury-prone forward, who showed signs of decline the past two seasons.

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