The Boston Celtics When the 2024 NBA Offseason starts, the Boston Celtics won't have much to offer free agents apart from the veteran’s minimum. This may be the best they can hope for, especially since some players are past their prime.
One player who fits this description and could be a target for the Celtics is Gordon Hayward. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey believes Hayward is an “optimistic” choice for the team.
Bailey wrote that the NBA can quickly turn a high-value player into one on a minimum contract, and Hayward may have reached that point this season. He is turning 34 and is only averaging 4.3 points since joining the Oklahoma City Thunder. This was reported by Bailey on March 19.Bailey suggested that Hayward could take on a role similar to Joe Ingles, who is also considered a potential target for the Celtics.
He also mentioned that Hayward could fill a role similar to Ingles while being younger and having more experience as a volume scorer.
In 2017, Hayward signed a major contract with the Celtics but suffered a career-altering leg injury five minutes into his first game with the team. He is currently in the last year of a
four-year, $120 million contract that he signed with the Thunder in 2020. Gordon Hayward Reveals Why Former Celtics Team Failed
Hayward was part of the infamous 2018-19 Celtics team. The team was expected to contend for the NBA Finals but fell short.
Appearing on “Podcast P with Paul George,” Hayward discussed the team's shortcomings.
He mentioned that the team had too many agendas and the main goal of winning the championship wasn't the top priority.
This was according to the show’s X account. He also discussed his mindset at the time and the mindsets of other Celtics players.Hayward was focused on proving himself as an All-Star, while other players like Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Terry Rozier were also trying to establish themselves in various ways.
Despite the talented roster, the Celtics were defeated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2019.
Gordon Hayward’s Red Flag
Hayward has a reputation for being injury-prone. Since leaving Boston, he has played 44, 49, 50, and 38 games over the last four seasons due to injuries.
With his injury record and reaching 34 years of age, Hayward may prioritize winning over his price tag when he enters free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey explained why Gordon Hayward would be an optimistic free agent target for the Celtics.
Missing as many games as he has may drive down his price tag when he enters free agency. At 34 and with his rap sheet, Hayward may focus more on winning at this point in his career.
