Hayward announced Thursday via social media that he has retired from professional basketball.

EDGE Analysis

After an outstanding two-year collegiate run at Butler, Hayward entered the professional ranks and was selected by the Jazz with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. A one-time All-Star, Hayward carved out a productive 14-year career that included stops with the Celtics, Hornets and Thunder in addition to Utah. He appeared in 835 regular-season games, averaging 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 three-pointers in 30.7 minutes per contest. After struggling to see minutes with the Thunder following a midseason trade in 2023-24 before becoming a free agent this offseason, Hayward is opting to step away from the game rather than looking to catch on with a contender in a back-end rotation role.

Hayward had four rebounds and one assist across eight minutes during Saturday's 106-85 victory over the Pelicans in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward continues to be nothing more than a depth piece for the Thunder, logging just eight minutes in the victory. While he does provide the team with a veteran presence, Hayward is not viewed as a key on-court piece.

Hayward will return to a reserve role in Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Mavericks, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Josh Giddey back in the starting lineup, Hayward will come off the bench. The veteran forward has averaged 4.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 16.2 minutes in 22 games off the bench this season.

Hayward posted six points (3-4 FG, 0-1 FT), six rebounds, two assists and two steals across 26 minutes during Friday's 125-107 victory over Milwaukee.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward moved into the starting lineup, replacing Josh Giddey who was a late scratch due to a hip issue. Despite the promotion, Hayward failed to produce anything of note, continuing a disappointing trend. At this stage, his value to the team can be measured only in real life as opposed to fantasy.

Hayward will start Friday's game against the Bucks, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Josh Giddey is out with a hip issue, so the Thunder will turn to the veteran. In 24 appearances with the Thunder, Hayward holds averages of 5.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Hayward accumulated 18 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 4-6 FT), one rebound and one steal in 20 minutes off the bench during Wednesday's 127-89 victory over the Spurs.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran forward had missed the prior two games with a tibia injury, but Hayward came out firing Wednesday and produced his best scoring effort in a Thunder jersey, and his most productive game since he dropped 20 points on the Heat back on Dec. 13. Hayward has been a solid addition to OKC's second unit, but his minutes and usage don't make a repeat performance likely over the final two games of the regular season.

Hayward (tibia) will play Wednesday against the Spurs, Rylan Stiles of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward is back in action after a two-game absence due to a left posterior tibialis strain. He should resume his usual role off the bench, operating with minutes in the teens.

Hayward (lower leg) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Spurs.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward is in danger of missing his third straight contest Wednesday due to a left posterior tibialis strain. If the veteran forward is ruled out, Aaron Wiggins will likely continue to receive increased playing time.

Hayward (lower leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward will miss a second straight game due to a left posterior tibia strain. His next chance to suit up will come Wednesday versus the Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) isn't listed on the Thunder's injury report for Tuesday, while Jalen Williams (ankle) is questionable.

Hayward (tibia) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus Charlotte.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward will miss his first contest since initially suiting up for the Thunder on Feb. 22 while he recovers from a left posterior tibia strain. He has failed to capitalize of late even with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadricep) and Jalen Williams (ankle) both amid multi-game absences, as Hayward is averaging just 4.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in 17.0 minutes while shooting 41.7 percent from the field across his last three games.