Gordon Hayward is thriving with the Hornets but the Knicks had interest in the forward, with coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledging that Hayward was “pretty high” the team’s board in free agency.
“There were a number of guys who we thought would fit us,” Thibodeau said. “It didn’t work out this time. And we’ll see how it works out in the future.”
Thibs pushed the Knicks to sign Hayward, Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News reports, but the front office believes the price was too high. The former Jazzman inked a four-year, $120 million contract with Charlotte during the offseason.
Hayward admitted that New York was in the mix and spoke highly of the Knicks’ coaching staff.
“The Knicks were definitely interested,” Hayward said. “I love their coaching staff and the culture they are building there. They also have some really good young players. Certainly, coach Thibodeau is established and knows how to win. He’s a great coach. I also have coach Johnny Bryant who was my guy in Utah who’s there as well. Certainly, there was a lot of interest on both sides. I’m happy and excited I’m here in Charlotte but they’re a great franchise with great coaching.”
More From Around the Eastern Conference
- Forward Taj Gibson signed with the Knicks last week, though he hasn’t been able to join the team because of COVID-19 protocols, Marc Berman of The New York Post reports.
- In another piece, Berman notes that neither Obi Toppin (calf) nor Frank Ntilikina (knee) are close to returning to the court with their respective injuries.
- Ben Simmons is listed as probable for the Sixers-Heat game on Tuesday night. Simmons has missed the past two games for the team with a knee ailment (both losses).
- There’s going to be a “learning curve” for Moritz Wagner as he sees more playing time this season, Brooks told FortyEightMinutes.com and other media members via zoom prior to the win over the Suns. Wagner, who is expected to be part of the “committee” that replaced Thomas Bryant, played 22 minutes against the Suns on Monday, scoring nine points.
