The Boston Celtics may be getting something in return for Gordon Hayward after all.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics and Charlotte Hornets are working on a sign-and-trade for Hayward. The Hornets first are looking to unload Nic Batum’s contract via a third team.
If the Celtics sign Hayward to a four-year deal worth $30 million per season, and then trade him to Charlotte, they’ll receive a $30 million traded player exception which they can use at any point within the next year to spend on a player via trade or free agency.
If Boston can get $30 million to sign another player, they’ll have an opportunity to acquire one of the bigger names in free agency or the trade market.
Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Hornets over the weekend after declining his $34.2 million player option with Boston for the 2020-21 season.
Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. Although many think Boston sports fans are insufferable, Erin tries to see things from a neutral perspective. Her passion is hockey, and she believes defense wins championships. In addition to covering sports for Yardbarker, she covers Boston sports for NBC Sports Boston. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90
