The Boston Celtics may soon be seeing the departure of Gordon Hayward in free agency but could receive the opportunity to execute a trade. One NBA team to watch is the Atlanta Hawks.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, the Hawks are ‘in play’ in an attempt to acquire Hayward from the Celtics.
The Atlanta Hawks are in play in an attempt to acquire Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
There are two main options for the Hawks to land Hayward. The simplest would be for Hayward to opt-in for his $34.2 million player option and Atlanta uses its cap space to acquire him via trade. The alternative is that Hayward declines his option and is dealt in a sign-and-trade.
The Hawks have made an effort to build a more expeienced and impactful supporting cast around Trae Young as of late. It started with the mid-season acquisition of Clint Capela using a trade with the Houston Rockets.
RELATED: Several NBA teams have interest in Gordon Hayward trade
There isn’t a dire need for the Celtics to retain Hayward when considering they already have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the wing. The salary cap spending that previously would have gone to Hayward could be dedicated to addressing other weaknesses.
Last season was a bounce-back year for Gordon Hayward— posting averages of 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He embraced playing a lesser role after previously signing with the Boston Celtics to be one of their main franchise-cornerstones.
NBA Analysis Network brings you up-to-date information, news, and analysis about the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics, along with all 30 teams in the league. Make sure to give us a follow on Twitter and like our Facebook page.
