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Boston Celtics: Making sense of Gordon Hayward’s potential 2020 contract extension

By Lyle Morrison

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics in action in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 6, 2020 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics in action in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 6, 2020 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Conclusions

In an ideal situation, which is assuming Gordon Hayward wants to be with the Boston Celtics long term and that they too want to keep him, his contract might look something like that signed by Barnes with a few caveats. I think Hayward is a more talented and dynamic player that Barnes, which commands a higher price, but he’s also signing at age 30 compared to 27.

Players at that age will probably prioritize extra years over money, just like Al Horford did. It seemed like the fourth year was a dealbreaker for all parties involved, and I believe Hayward would be willing to take a little less money in salary for the security of that extra year. He is a family man after all, and I wouldn’t downplay the effect on his decision that fourth year might have on him and his young family.

Furthermore I think the Celtics’ plethora of wing talent slightly deleverages Hayward’s position. They don’t really need him per se, the way that Milwaukee was over a barrel with Middleton and their dire need of floor spacing to take advantage of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

They would be fine to let Tatum and Brown be their primary wings going forward and reallocate that money instead towards, say, a competent big man, or a wardrobe of Versace robes for Marcus Smart to wear.

The point is that the money they have earmarked for Hayward would be just as well spent elsewhere.

All things considered, I think Hayward’s deal will look something like 4-years in the $90 to $100 million range, depending on structure. I think he takes a slight discount for that extra year. Also the idea of a front-loaded contract is intriguing, in that it would be a way to blunt the economic pain of walking away from $35 million while keeping the team flexible financially. Plus it gives the Celtics the financial berth necessary to re-up with Tatum in 2021 while leaving them plenty of room under the tax line to grant them the full Mid Level Exception.

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This is all assuming Gordon Hayward decides to opt out and renegotiate a new deal. $35 million is a lot to leave on the table, and he very well may opt in with the chance to renegotiate in 2021, betting that he can earn a higher payday either in Boston or elsewhere. However, that free agent class is loaded with talent and perhaps at that point, with Hayward a year older, the Celtics might be more content to move on.

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