Before the Celtics can sign Gordon Hayward, they’re going to have to free up more cap space.
Well that was a dramatic fourth of July, wasn’t it? As the dust settles, Gordon Hayward is now a Boston Celtic. After missing out on Paul George, which wasn’t Danny Ainge’s fault, Boston finally gets their main target heading into the off-season.
In order to make the money work, Boston had to renounce their rights to Kelly Olynyk, therefore making him an unrestricted free agent. However, one more move will still have to be made to clear enough cap space to sign Hayward to the agreed on four-year, 128 million dollar contract. There’s a lot of speculation that Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley, or Marcus Smart will end up being the odd man out. There are pros and cons to trading each player.
Marcus Smart
Due to his young age and potential, Smart probably has the highest trade value out of this trio. He won’t turn 24 until after the all-star break next season and has flashed star potential during his three years in Boston so far.
We all know the story with Smart. He’s an excellent defender but has some difficulties on the offensive end of the court. When I say he’s an excellent defender, he’s honestly one of the best in the NBA. He’s quick enough to defend any guard and strong enough to defend several inches taller than him.
Though his offensive game has been infuriating to watch at times, he’s still young enough to improve. Remember, he only just turned 23 a few months ago.
Even with his offensive deficiencies, there’s still probably several NBA teams that would love to take a chance on him as their starting point guard for the next several seasons. If they can sign him to a contract extension that is. Smart is scheduled to hit free agency after next season and will more than likely receive some pretty good contract offers.
Smart is scheduled to hit free agency after next season and will more than likely receive some pretty good contract offers. It makes sense for Boston to trade him now while his value is still relatively high.
Avery Bradley
It’s always difficult to let go of the longest tenured player on your team, but that’s what might have to happen with Bradley. Out of these three players, Bradley is currently the best of the bunch. He’s long been considered one of the best defenders in the NBA and his offensive game has progressed basically every year he’s been in the league.
This past season, Bradley averaged career highs in points per game (16.3), rebounds per game (6.1), and assists per game (2.2). He did that all while shooting 46.3% overall and 39% from deep.
Bradley is the type of player that would fit in very nicely as the third or fourth option on a contending team. I know, that’s exactly what he is now in Boston. I’d prefer to keep Bradley but someone has got to go for us to sign Hayward.
Like with Smart, the downside is that Bradley is entering the last year of his contract. That alone will tame his trade value. Add in his checkered injury history and his value isn’t quite as high as Smart’s. Regardless, Bradley is a veteran player that many teams would love to have on their roster.
Jae Crowder
Honestly, it makes a lot of sense for the Celtics to trade Crowder or to keep him. It’s for the same reason too. He’s is the only one under contract past next season. Crowder’s current deal, which is very team friendly, has 22 million remaining over the next three seasons.
A lot of teams will look at that contract and find it very desirable. For what Crowder brings to the court each game, that contract is a steal. He’s a plus defender and can hold his own on the offensive end.
His 13.9 PPG was a touch below his career high 14.2 PPG in 2015-16 but his shooting and efficiency both were better this season. His 46.3 field goal percentage and 39.8 percentage from behind the arc were both career highs for Crowder.
You also have to factor in that he plays the same position as Hayward, as well as youngsters Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Boston could look to go small with Crowder at the four and Al Horford at the five, but that will likely create additional rebounding woes.
Next: Is Gordon Hayward Worth the Hype?
While we don’t know which player it’s going to be, we do know that someone has to go to finalize the Hayward signing. A trade for a center would make sense, but always expect the unexpected with Danny Ainge at the helm.