Forward Gordon Hayward is hitting the open market one year earlier than it was expected. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Hayward declined his $34.2 million option for 2020/21 NBA season with Boston Celtics and will become an unrestricted free agent.
Hayward and Celtics previously agreed to prolong the decision about the option from Tuesday to Thursday, giving the player more time to think.
Hayward signed a max-deal with Boston Celtics in 2017, but failed to make an expected impact on the franchise as he often struggled with injuries. He suffered a gruesome ankle injury in his first official game with the Celtics, being forced to miss the entire 2017/18 season. Besides this, he also dealt with several lesser injuries like nerve pain, sprains, and broken hand bone.
However, Hayward did show flashes of his former self during the 2019/20 regular season. He finished the campaign by playing in 52 games while averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per contest.
It is easy to see Gordon Hayward’s motivation to enter the free agency. He immediately becomes one of the biggest names in a talent-lacking free agency, which will certainly guarantee him some big offers. Also, he’ll get long-term security with a new deal, which is of utmost importance considering his injury history.
As ESPN points out, Hayward can now agree to a new deal with Boston Celtics or sign with a team that has cap space like New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. The last, and the most likely option, is working out a sign-and-trade deal that would see him join the club of his preference while allowing Celtics to get some assets in return.
