Thursday afternoon, former All-Star and recent OKC Thunder forward Gordon Hayward officially announced that he's calling it quits on his professional career after 14 seasons playing in the NBA.
Per his official X account, the 34-year-old shared a personal message detailing his decision to retire from the game of basketball, stating: "Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball. It's been an incredible ride and I'm so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve more than I ever imagined."
Thank you 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/fqbw3WML0n
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) August 1, 2024
While the vast majority of responses to the announcement have been quite heartwarming and complimentary, found amid the commentary are some faithful followers of the Thunder organization who, quite frankly, still can't find a way to move past the failed experiment that was his mid-season acquisition during this last campaign.
Thunder fans take last shots at Gordon Hayward after retirement news
One fan alluded to Hayward's polarizing exit interview where he shared some conflicting details about his arrival on the Thunder, with the commenter going as far as to accuse the veteran of gaslighting the franchise with his choice comments.
He really tried to gaslight the Thunder lol
— 👑 𝓝𝓲𝓬𝓴 👑 (@neverbeenequal) August 1, 2024
Good riddance buddy https://t.co/XGSRvtwV0o
Another user called the forward out for being "washed."
Ngl it was time bro you were washed
— . (@NbaK824) August 1, 2024
Sports Illustrated's Matt Alquiza even went as far as to breakdown how, essentially, the best part Hayward's arrival in Oklahoma City was his quick departure, as they essentially were able to clear up the proper cap space necessary with his expiring contract to go out and sign the likes of Isaiah Hartenstein this offseason.
OKC received: 26 games of Gordon Hayward
— Matt Alquiza (@malquiza8) August 1, 2024
Hornets received: Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic, and Davis Bertans
Massive W for Charlotte on the surface, but trading for Hayward and having his salary dissolve off the books allowed the Thunder to sign Isaiah Hartenstein into space.
Though without question better than what his short stint with the Thunder suggested, as he's a career 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game player, Gordon Hayward closed out the final 26 games of his professional tenure with pedestrian averages of 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
A move once viewed as one that could help thrust OKC into the title-favorites category during this past postseason, roughly six months removed from the exchange a large chunk of the fanbase looks back on the trade as one that, ultimately, lost them the promising young talents of their former first-rounder, Tre Mann.