NBA Rumors: Gordon Hayward Could End Up Where Horrific Injury Paused Career

Gordon Hayward continues to perform well following a horrific leg injury that spoiled his debut with the Boston Celtics in 2017. He did struggle this NBA season but has somehow gotten his act together. Looking ahead, at least one team has its eyes on the 29-year-old forward.

Ironically, the team in mention is the same one where Hayward suffered that unfortunate injury - the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hayward suited up for the first time with the Celtics before disaster struck. The 9th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft suffered a fractured tibia and a dislocated ankle, sidelining him for the rest of the 2017-18 NBA season.

Fast forward to the present, Hayward's name has cropped up in trade talks that involve J.R. Smith. The Cavs have reached out to several teams about Smith, someone who owns only $3.8 million guaranteed of the $15.7 million he's technically owed next season," NBC Sports reported.

But the thing here is, are the Celtics even interested? And if they are, is Smith worth getting for Hayward? Somehow the logic and the numbers don't add up unless there is another player (from the Cavs) inserted.

One can just imagine the difference Hayward can make should he move to Cleveland. But he will not be a cheap acquisition, Yahoo Sports reported. Remember that he signed a four-year $128 million contract, meaning Smith (alone) may not be enough.

At 29, Hayward could be a timely complement to rising star Colin Sexton. And then there is also Kevin Love in the mix. Although beset by injuries the previous years, there is no question that the NBA All-Star can still deliver when needed. Should he stay healthy next season, a Hayward-Love tandem looms as a formidable duo in the Eastern Conference.

For the Celtics to even consider it will depend on two things. One is how the current NBA season turns out, tied up to how Hayward finishes his first full season. The second is the players who would be left after this season.

Kyrie Irving and even Jayson Tatum have been frequenting the NBA trade rumor mill lately, meaning Boston will be sitting on pins and needles. Should either or both go, team president Danny Ainge may not even consider dealing off Hayward (unless he goes on rebuilding mode).

Smith is a talented player, but somehow, the Celtics would be foolish to deal off Hayward for him at this point.