Gordon Hayward is ‘undecided’ on player option with Celtics

The Boston Celtics came up short in the Eastern Conference Finals but will use the NBA offseason to re-tool. A critical factor in their efforts will be the decision Gordon Hayward makes with his final-year option.

According to Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy, Hayward is currently ‘undecided’ on a potential decision regarding his $34.1 million player option.

The Celtics have become loaded on the wing with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown emerging as franchise-cornerstones. Since Hayward’s return from injury, there just simply isn’t justification to value him above Tatum and Brown in the half-court offense.

There are multiple factors that Hayward must take into consideration. The level of compensation he is set to receive using his final-year option is far greater than any salary he’d receive in NBA free agency if he were to decline it.

RELATED: Gordon Hayward Wants To Leave The Boston Celtics

Another factor to consider is whether Hayward’s motivation to play elsewhere could be greater than his desire for the largest contract he can get from around the NBA. There is still the option of the Celtics trading him in an effort to reconfigure the roster.

One team that has been linked to Hayward with potential trade interest is the Indiana Pacers. They have a talent in Myles Turner that could appeal strongly to the Celtics as they still face a need to find a long-term, more dynamic solution to the center position.

The Boston Celtics will have plenty of options regardless of what Gordon Hayward decides to do. If he were to opt-in, he could be used in a trade to match salary in a way that could bring back an intriguing talent.


NBA Analysis Network brings you up-to-date information, news, and analysis about the Boston Celtics, along with all 30 teams in the league. Make sure to give us a follow on Twitter and like our Facebook page.

Derrick White’s Triple-Double Fuels Celtics to 111-94 Victory Over Pistons

Derrick White achieved his first career triple-double, leading the Boston Celtics to a 119-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons during Monday’s NBA action. Despite Jayson

Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Misses Game vs. Pistons: Full Injury Details

The Boston Celtics have been the best team in the NBA throughout the 2023-24 regular season, sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference with

Hauser’s Career Night Leads Celtics to 130-104 Victory Over Wizards

On a night where the Boston Celtics were notably short-handed, Sam Hauser stepped up spectacularly, achieving NBA career highs with 30 points and an impressive