Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward has opted out of his $34 million deal next season and will become a free agent, according to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania.
The move comes as Marc Stein of the The New York Times reports that the New York Knicks “have been aggressive” in pursuing Hayward.
The Knicks waived veterans Elfrid Payton, Taj Gibson and Wayne Ellington on Thursday, as well declined a team option on Bobby Portis, helping to pave the way to sign Hayward.
The 30-year-old has been in Boston since signing a four-year, $127.4-million deal with the Celtics in July 2017, but has missed a lot of time due to injury. Last season, Hayward averaged 33.5 minutes, 17.5 points and 6.7 rebounds in 52 games.
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