Boston Celtics: Should Gordon Hayward be a trade candidate?

Gordon Hayward is likely to pick up his player option in the offseason, so should the Boston Celtics consider trade options? Let’s examine the question.

Akin to years past, expect Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward to be the subject of trade rumors this offseason. With Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Kemba Walker already locked in for a combined $71.71 million next year, the Celtics will be strapped for cash next season if Hayward decides to exercise his $34.19 million player option for 2021.

Nobody knows what the salary cap will be for next year yet, and not too many general managers will be doling out big contracts this offseason in hopes of making a bigger splash in next year’s free agency.

Also, Hayward hasn’t done himself any favors, missing 20 games this season and 111 out of a possible 246 regular-season games since joining the Celtics in 2017. More than half of those games were due to the horrific leg injury he suffered in his Celtics debut, but health has been an issue.

With so much uncertainty swirling around the NBA and his current market value, odds are, Hayward opts in for next season. Here lies the dilemma for Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge. They need to improve their roster but are expected to be over the salary cap regardless of the final number if Hayward does as expected.

The Celtics won’t be major players in free agency, but they have a shot of upgrading via trade. At first glance (and a common theme in the NBA rumor mill), Hayward seems like a viable option here. An overpaid All-Star who’s struggled to stay healthy and plays a position where depth is not a concern.

Which raises the question: Is trading Hayward this offseason in the best interest of the Celtics?