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.