The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly in play in an attempt to acquire Gordon Hayward from the Boston Celtics, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
The potential for a sign-and-trade deal exists, Haynes noted, but the Hawks also have the available cap space to sign Hayward to a long-term extension if he were to decline his player option for next season.
Previously, the deadline for Hayward to make a decision on whether he would opt in or not was 5 p.m. today. Both he and the Celtics worked out an agreement to push that back to Thursday afternoon.
If Atlanta lands Hayward, whose player option for next season is worth $34.2 million, it would likely take them out of the running for Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet.
The Hawks’ interest in finding talent to pair with franchise cornerstone Trae Young doesn’t appear to be stopping with Hayward, either, as Haynes also reported the Hawks will be in contention for Rajon Rondo when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Previous reporting from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer suggested that if Hayward were to be interested in moving on, the New York Knicks would be interested in his services.
Hayward’s Celtics tenure has been injury-riddled. It began with a horrifying leg injury that ultimately required multiple surgeries. After making his return the following year, he suffered a fractured left hand early in the season.
Last year with Boston, Hayward appeared to be starting to find the form that made him an All-Star in 2017. Over 52 appearances, he averaged 17.5 points on 50-per cent shooting, while picking up 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
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