Boston Celtics: 5 reasons Gordon Hayward should be their top target

Gordon Hayward should be the Boston Celtics’ primary target in 2017 NBA free agency. Here are five reasons why.

The Boston Celtics are in a good position right now. They finished first in the Eastern Conference, they drafted their pick of choice in Jayson Tatum, and they have a plethora of future first round draft picks.

Of course, Danny Ainge isn’t satisfied with good; he wants to be great. Boston will be in the running to land either Blake Griffin or Gordon Hayward in free agency and attempt to trade for Paul George. They’re going for an NBA championship.

Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are free agents this offseason, but they’re obviously expected to re-sign with Golden State. Boston is unlikely to pursue Kyle Lowry in free agency because they already have a franchise point guard. At 32 years old, Paul Millsap is nearing an inevitable decline.

That leaves Gordon Hayward and Blake Griffin, who both appear to be at the top of the Celtics’ list. Isaiah Thomas has already begun recruiting Griffin on his Instagram page.

Gordon Hayward has ties with Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, who coached him at Butler a few years ago. Despite Blake Griffin’s talent, Hayward seems to be the most well-rounded option for Boston.

Here are five reasons why the Celtics should prioritize Gordon Hayward over Blake Griffin in free agency.