Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: Ranking the top 5 free agent signings of the summer

By Zain Ahmed

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers look on during the second half of a game at Staples Center on April 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers look on during the second half of a game at Staples Center on April 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 6: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 6: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

Gordon Hayward to Celtics

It was well known that Boston was going to push hard for Gordon Hayward’s services this summer. Boston’s efforts paid off as they landed one of the biggest free agents of the summer in Hayward. The chance to reunite with former Butler coach Brad Stevens was one that Hayward could not pass on. It also did not hurt that the Celtics were fresh off a trip to the ECF as well.

The choice to join Boston almost seemed easy for Gordon, as he had the chance to join a winning team with a need for him and a chance to escape the dreaded Western Conference. Utah fans may not want to hear this, but he was never committed to Utah very much anyways, as he had signed a deal with Charlotte when he was an RFA, the deal was obviously matched though.

The signing of Hayward makes Boston legitimate contenders to come out of the Eastern Conference. Hayward posted career highs in PPG, RPG and FG %, posting 21.9, 5.4, and 47.1% respectively. Hayward gives the Celtics a big 3 in Thomas, Hayward, and Horford. The Celtics are also a very deep team, their bench has been one of the strongest the past few years. The signing of Hayward should take Boston over the top and at the very least guarantee a trip back to the ECF.

While trading Avery Bradley may have been difficult for Boston, they acquired much needed front-court depth. Boston landed the superstar they have been seeking and it may not be long before it results in a potential championship.

Home/NBA News