NBA: Ranking the top 25 free agents of the 2020 offseason

5. Gordon Hayward, player option

Gordon Hayward is coming off an up and down season for the Boston Celtics. Before the NBA’s hiatus, Hayward was one of the most important players for the Celtics. And he was having a great bounce-back season.

However, after suffering another debilitating injury in the playoffs, this time a bad ankle sprain, he looked like a shell of his former self. The question is, do the Celtics view Hayward as a piece that is irreplaceable on the team? If the answer to that question is yes, then there’s no debate. Hayward will be with the Celtics next season.

Though, I’m not so sure that’s a foregone conclusion. If Hayward indeed opts out of the final year of his contract, there will be plenty of suitors for his services. He may not be the max player that he once was, but he could be a huge piece for a contending team looking to make that final push.

Hayward is a good scorer, a good defender, and can be an above-average playmaker. If he hits the open market, he could emerge as a valuable piece for any playoff team.