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[Saba Sports News] Denver Nuggets beat writer Harrison Wind mentioned the former All-Star as a potential free-agent target for the team. Wind noted that some people within the Nuggets organization are known fans of Hayward.
The 34-year-old Hayward was traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Oklahoma City Thunder in February but played sparingly for the Thunder. He expressed frustration after OKC was eliminated in the second round, and even Hayward’s wife voiced displeasure with Thunder GM Sam Presti.
A move to the Nuggets, a rival of the Thunder in the Northwest Division, makes sense for Hayward. At 6-foot-7, he can still run a second-unit offense, having averaged 14.5 points and 4.6 assists per game for the Hornets before the trade. The Nuggets need this skillset off their bench, especially given Reggie Jackson’s postseason struggles, Christian Braun’s limited role as a 3-and-D player, and 21-year-old Peyton Watson’s inexperience.
With reigning MVP Nikola Jokic turning 30 next season and co-star Jamal Murray approaching 28, the Nuggets need to maximize their title window. Hayward’s versatility could be valuable and provide Denver with a backup plan if a key starter leaves in free agency this summer.