KEY POINTS

  • Altanta Hawks are weighing options on Gordon Hayward
  • Hayward is likely to exercise player option with the Celtics
  • Hayward's health will play a factor in any potential NBA deal

Gordon Hayward has an important decision to make, something that could impact where he would be playing next NBA season.

The Boston Celtics remain an option although the consensus is that he will be moving out, and the team likely to take him in is the Atlanta Hawks.

The Hawks are said to be in play to acquire the 30-year-old player, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported. However, that still depends on what All-Star forward decides on the player option he holds with the Celtics.

Originally, Hayward was supposed to decide on what to do with that option on Tuesday. But it appears a decision on that has been moved to Thursday, ESPN reported. The postponement allows both sides to assess options moving forward.

Hayward has the option to opt in on the $32.4 million due for the 2020-21 season. Considering the financial impact that the coronavirus has had, most see the 6-foot-7 forward opting in.

But even if he does, there is no assurance that he will return to play for the Celtics next season.

Atlanta is looking to provide Trae Young some help and Hayward could be that guy. Hence, it all boils down to how much it would cost the Hawks. Also, the Celtics would want reasonable assets in return.

If Atlanta is truly bent in getting Hayward, there is one asset they carry that could consummate the deal.

The Hawks own the rights to the sixth overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft so adding that to a Hayward deal could seal it.

The Celtics are another team looking to move up the NBA Draft. They own three first-round picks (14th, 26th and 30th pick) and are exploring options to trade those to crack the Top 10, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer suggested.

Given the positions the Celtics hold, the chances of doing so are not too high.

However, their fortunes would entirely change if the Hawks would be open to including their No. 6 privilege in a Hayward deal.

For now, these are options up in the air for the Hawks and Celtics. Hayward has been struggling the past years with injuries happening one after the other.

His durability is another thing Atlanta will look into if the Hawks are to pursue this deal.

Gordon Hayward
Gordon Hayward scored 30 points as the Celtics beat the Warriors 128-95. In this picture, Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on Mar. 01, 2019. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
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