Knicks Urged to Sign Former All-Star

The New York Knicks could add a big name to their depth.

Jeremy Brener | Jul 20, 2024

Nov 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball against the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports / Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have built one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, but with a few slots still open, they could get even deeper.

Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley suggests the idea of signing former All-Star forward Gordon Hayward.

"Jalen Brunson is a certified star, and Julius Randle has produced at All-Star levels, but New York's support players don't have a ton of go-get-us-a-bucket in their game," Buckley writes. Now, it's entirely possible that Gordon Hayward wouldn't change that—not as a 34-year-old who hasn't topped 52 games in any of the past five seasons. If a minimum deal is doable, though, that's a low-percentage shot worth taking. His All-Star days are well behind him, but he's still a relatively reliable source of support scoring and secondary playmaking."

Hayward averaged 9.8 points and 3.1 assists per game last season in 51 appearances with the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder. While Hayward was seen as a veteran who could help a contender out by moving from the Hornets to the Thunder in the middle of the season, his role in Oklahoma City didn't fit.

That's not to say he couldn't fit on a different contender in the NBA. In fact, his presence in New York would likely make more sense than OKC ever did. He would be playing on a veteran roster with players that more fit his speed. He doesn't have to come in as a "mentor" but rather as a "confidant" and a backup option in case one of the starters goes down.

Hayward would essentially replace his former teammate Alec Burks on the wing. Burks was seldom used in the regular season after he was acquired via trade by the Detroit Pistons, but when his number was called on during the playoffs, he delivered and was then able to secure a new contract with the Miami Heat after the season.

Hayward may not be the player he once was, but the piece he can be now might be one that fits the Knicks complicated roster puzzle.

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Published Jul 20, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.