Boston Celtics rumors: Gordon Hayward drawing 'real interest' from team, according to report

Boston Celtics rumors: Gordon Hayward drawing 'real interest' from team, according to report




Gordon Hayward, Rudy Gay
The Celtics reportedly have "real interest" in Gordon Hayward. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Jay King | mjking@masslive.com By Jay King | mjking@masslive.com


on October 12, 2016 at 1:30 PM, updated October 12, 2016 at 1:40 PM





The Boston Celtics have "real interest" in impending free agent Gordon Hayward, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.

Lowe released his annual column of crazy predictions Wednesday afternoon. In the piece, he actually predicted Hayward will re-sign with the Utah Jazz after the coming season. That wouldn't be a shocker. The Jazz have a strong, young core that could take a mini-leap (or better) this year. Assuming the new CBA doesn't change too much, they will be able to offer Hayward more money than other teams as well as an additional year on his next contract.

But the Celtics have shown admiration for Hayward before, dating all the way back to his time as a restricted free agent in 2014. Around draft time this summer, Boston reportedly reached out to the Jazz about a possible Hayward trade, to no avail. At age 26, Hayward has emerged as one of the NBA's better wings. We know how much Brad Stevens loves basketball versatility; of course, he also coached Hayward in college, building a relationship which could come in handy during free agency talks.

Other stars like Blake Griffin and Chris Paul could garner more headlines this summer, but Hayward would fit the Celtics needs in a lot of ways. They want to build a switching, aggressive defense; well, he's 6-foot-8, 230 pounds with enough lateral quickness to guard a number of positions. Imagine lineups with him, Jae Crowder and a fully-formed Jaylen Brown (whatever that might look like). The Celtics need to boost their offensive efficiency; well, Hayward's a career 36-percent 3-point shooter who gets to the free throw line almost six times per 36 minutes and can handle some playmaking responsibilities. Hayward's age also puts him right in line to help the Celtics when their young core hits its prime.

Boston should be able to clear maximum cap space pretty easily this summer. Hayward might not be the top target, but, if he isn't married to the Jazz, he is one of the free agents who would make sense.



bob


.

This rumor about interest in Hayward goes back a long way. I am sure it has alot to do with Stevens relationship with him and his knowledge of his game.
So his pending free agency next season is only another rumor we will live with all year unless Utah knows he will cost too much and does not want to stay with the Jazz. Rumors about Rudy Gay have bee rampant for over a year.

But, I have another thought for all to consider, Paul Pierce has announced that he will retire a Celtic in 2017. I think Doc should trade him at the end of the regular season to the Celtics. Then...he will don ihs old uniform and have the game of his lifetime and hit the winning shot to beat LeBron.

Great scenerio, huh???? Hey, a girl can dream can't she?