The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in free-agent shooting guard Gordon Hayward, according to Baxter Holmes of The Boston Globe. Hayward played well last season for the Utah Jazz, averaging 16.2 points, 5.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Celtics interested in Gordon Hayward, per reports
Boston is reportedly interested in adding Hayward, who was a star under the C’s coach in college.
Jared Wickerham
Why this makes sense
Hayward made his name as a prolific guard in college with the Butler Bulldogs, coached by now-Celtics head man Brad Stevens. The pair went to the 2010 NCAA championship game, narrowly losing to the Duke Blue Devils.
Aside from familiarity that seems to be a big draw, per Holmes, the Celtics are in the midst of rebuilding after the jettisoning of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett last offseason, and Hayward is a very good, young player. At 24 years old, Hayward is a solid contributor in the backcourt who has seen his numbers rise each of his first four NBA campaigns.
Why this doesn’t make sense
Hayward might be tough to fit under the salary cap with any other additions, with the Celtics already having $56.3 million committed to players for the 2014-15 season, per Sham Sports.
Boston could work to make the contract more cap-friendly, such as back-loading the deal. After this season, the Celtics see their committed money shrink to just over $33 million.
Of course, the Jazz would also have to let Hayward go. They’ll likely match anything short of a max offer.
Likelihood (scale 1-10): 6 for interest, 3 for getting him
General manager Danny Ainge has reached out to approximately 30 players, per Boston.com. In other words, plenty of things can happen which would prevent Hayward going to Boston, such as other players coming cheaper or another team being more desperate to add him.
Still, Hayward knows Stevens and could join a storied franchise with a solid and well-decorated front office. The fit within the Celtics offense is there, making this a very intriguing possibility.
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