Boston Celtics: Should Gordon Hayward be a trade candidate?

What’s the verdict for the Boston Celtics?

By trading away Gordon Hayward, the Boston Celtics lose one of the most versatile players in the league. Hayward makes his impact on the game in various ways that will be hard to replicate by a single person without spending the type of money Hayward is already getting.

The most logical and practical course of action is to hold on to Gordon Hayward into the season. Let him try to play his way into increasing his market value before even entertaining the thought of moving him.

With him in the final year of his contract next season, it will be easier to find a team looking to take on such an enormous salary in-season.

Worst case scenario, Hayward plays good enough to get a team to take the bait, and Ainge trades him close to the deadline in a deal that puts the team in a better position to win a championship. Best case scenario, Hayward returns to All-Star form and helps the Celtics get over the final postseason hump and into the NBA Finals.

As always, timing is crucial. A trade in the offseason would give whoever the incoming player(s) are a full training camp and pre-season to get acclimated. Still, waiting till after the season is in session would allow the Celtics to get more bang for their buck.