NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics Could Trade Gordon Hayward For Indiana Pacers Center

The lack of frontcourt depth is still a chink in the armor of the Boston Celtics. On countless times, they were linked to several big men who might fit into Brad Stevens' system but no offer seemed ideal to bring off. Perhaps the young coach would have to detach himself from one of his undersized core five as Gordon Hayward could be shaped as the artificial lamb for Boston’s potential acquisition of Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.

The hole in the Celtics’ paint has been a cause for concern as the team continues to be attacked by teams, especially their Eastern Conference rivals, through their respective potent big men.

Boston has Daniel Theis and Ener Kanter manning the middle. But while both players could give some quality minutes to relieve their main guns, having a steady anchor inside is still imperative for the Celtics, especially in their bid to go deep into the postseason and eventually win a title.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report sees this need as the perfect opportunity for Turner, who has seen his production dive significantly as he was overshadowed by the emergence of his All-Star teammate Domantas Sabonis.

“While his minutes have increased slightly, Turner's true shooting, shot attempts, scoring, rebound percentage, block percentage, and assist percentage have all plummeted with the Pacers this season,” Swartz wrote.

“With fellow big man Domantas Sabonis making his first All-Star Game and Indiana selecting center Goga Bitadze in the first last year, Turner may be better off in a larger role somewhere else,” he added.

Citing the Celtics as his best destination, Swartz said Turner could complement his length and skill set with Boston’s mix of talent and youth.

“Turner brings the size (6'11") and defensive chops that Boston needs, all while keeping the floor spaced (35.4 percent career mark from three) for Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown,” Swartz continued.

Hayward, on the other hand, might just have a rejuvenation in familiar territory by playing for his hometown. A native of Indiana, the 30-year-old had played college ball under Stevens at Butler University before he was selected ninth overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2010 NBA Draft. After his All-Star year in 2017, his career took an unfortunate turn after he suffered a gruesome injury during his debut as a Celtic.

Posting 17.3 points, 6.5 boards, and 4.1 assists in 45 games this season, Hayward is still behind the peak Jazz version of himself. But a departure from a talent-laden Celtics en route to a homecoming in Indiana could spell wonders for the former All-Star as he slowly gets back into his old form.