Boston Celtics: 3 free agent options to replace Gordon Hayward

Boston Celtics Option No.1: Danilo Gallinari

Gallinari is an unrestricted free agent following an impressive season down in Oklahoma City. The twelve-year NBA veteran has been paid a lot of money in recent years, and there’s no reason why he won’t command a large sum this offseason.

The Italian has been an effective player ever since he was drafted back in 2008. Following his involvement in the Paul George trade, last summer, Gallinari ended up in a great spot for him with the Thunder, as they exceeded expectations, taking the Houston Rockets the distance in the playoffs. Gallinari averaged 18.7 points and 5.2 rebounds throughout the regular season, as he started all 62 games.

The Thunder had a great culture, and Gallinari most definitely would’ve been inspired by playing alongside an all-time leader in Chris Paul. The Boston Celtics have their own unique culture, they have a leader like Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart, and it’s another environment that he could thrive in.

Gallinari is not going to create like Gordon Hayward but he can provide plenty of other stuff, and can definitely move the ball well enough. His 3-point shot is a tremendous weapon to have in your lineup, as he shot 40.5 percent on 7.1 attempts per game during the regular season in 2020-21, he can also score in the post so the only thing the Celtics would be losing with him replacing Hayward would be the playmaking ability.

That type of addition would prove to be vital in the absence of Hayward. Gallinari isn’t really seen as a top defender in the league by any means, but what we saw with him in OKC was different. He plays incredibly tough and is an excellent teammate. There were times where his effort on the defensive end resulted in stops being made, and he’s a player who can defend the pick-and-roll.

Gallinari would be without a doubt the most expensive option of the three players on this list, but you get what you pay for, and Gallinari would provide the Celtics with a complete skill set. A player of Hayward’s caliber is hard to find. You can replace his size, defense, playmaking, and shooting/scoring, but it’s hard to do that with just one player.

If Gordon Hayward does opt out, the Celtics will have to bring in a wing that can provide the team with enough presence to make up for the talent that they’re losing in Hayward, other attributes that you are losing will have to be addressed in other ways. Gallinari, especially after showing what he still has to offer in Oklahoma City, would be a strong signing for the Boston Celtics.