Gordon Hayward (Photo : Getty Images)
Gordon Hayward could be the Boston Celtics' trade target, reuniting the Utah Jazz forward with his former mentor Brad Stevens.
The Celtics are still attempting to add another piece to their roster, but has yet to make a deal that could possibly shake up the power rankings in the East. With plenty of trade assets at their disposal, the Celtics could lure available talented players in the trade market.
With big names like Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin becoming unlikely to get dealt, the Celtics could turn their attention to other veterans who could be available for a trade. According to Oliver Maroney of Basketball Insiders, Utah Jazz wing Gordon Hayward could be a natural pairing for the Celtics, reuniting him with his coach at Butler University, Brad Stevens.
"A natural pairing for Hayward is Boston and coach Brad Stevens, Hayward's former mentor at Butler University," Maroney wrote.
Maroney also mentioned that while such trade scenario would be interesting, it is unlikely to happen unless the Celtics include Jae Crowder in any potential package.
Hayward has been the Jazz's best player in the past few seasons and could become the face of the franchise in the coming years. But there is a possibility the 26-year-old wing declines his player option for the next season, with teams' cap room set to increase again. This could force the Jazz to mull over trading Hayward instead letting him walk away without any key players in return.
The Celtics have been rumored to be interested in prying out Hayward from Utah, and while the Jazz have insisted it is "highly unlikely" they trade Hayward, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders believes it may still won't keep Boston from monitoring the forward's situation with the Jazz.
It has been claimed by Brian Geltzeiler of Hoops Critic that the Jazz have been actively shopping Hayward, with the versatile small forward unhappy with the team. Obviously, such claims were shut down, but it is worth noting that Hayward did attempt to leave Utah in 2014, when he signed an offer sheet with the Charlotte Hornets.
The Jazz have set up an intriguing roster after acquiring Boris Diaw and George Hill via trade, and signing Joe Johnson this summer. If healthy, a lineup consisting of the mentioned players and the rest of the Jazz's young talents could be a team to watch next season.
Whether a promising team could keep Hayward happy in Utah remains to be seen, but considering the possibilities of him walk away, the Jazz could deliberate on moving Hayward.
