3 Potential buyout options to fill Miami Heat void

3. Gordon Hayward

The veteran still has gas left in the tank. This phrase perfectly describes Charlotte Hornets swingman Gordon Hayward. The one-time All-Star is still playing good ball. He's started 12 games, averaging about 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists this season.

Currently in the last year of his contract and still owed $30 million, Hayward could be looking to compete for something. The Hornets are a team stuck in the middle. They won't be a bottom-three team with LaMelo Ball playing most of the season (he looks like an All-Star), and they won't be a serious contending team with the roster around Ball. Hayward will be 34 next March, so it's time to get with an organization on his timeline.

Hayward can play with or without the ball, complementing Jimmy and Bam. He's an efficient secondary ball handler who makes quick decisions off the catch. Hayward has the three skills that immediately improve a team's scoring: he can dribble, pass and shoot.

His shooting is down this year, but teams don't game plan to leave him open. He competes defensively with cerebral instinct. Knowing where to be is half the battle, and Hayward is not frequently seen out of position.

He's the buyout candidate I'd like to see the Heat add the most. Health has been a major concern throughout the later stages of his career. Hayward hasn't played more than 52 games since 2019. But his offensive versatility is still something you would take a chance on in the buyout market. If he can stay healthy in a Heat jersey, that's a complete game-changer.