Boston Celtics: realistically evaluating Gordon Hayward’s trade value

What he brings back in a trade

Hayward’s trade value could be determined by a number of different factors. The first has to do with what he is being paired with in any potential transactions. Is he an expiring deal? If so, his salary would have to be paired with a draft pick (or multiple) to bring back a high-value star player. If he is a long-term investment, he would likely be swapped with another player with several years left on his deal that better balances the lineup.

Essentially, if he is an expiring deal, he could fetch Andre Drummond in an all-in championship push. If he wants to opt-in, knowing there may not be another team willing to go above the $34 million he will receive next season, he could be swapped for a similar salaried player like Myles Turner or even Al Horford, who has commented on retroactively being interested in teaming up with Kemba Walker.

Essentially, the return depends on how much time you’re getting from Hayward under his current contract.

If you acquire Hayward with hopes of re-signing him, you may have a player with a rash of recent injuries in his mid-30’s by the end of said deal. However, if your end game is to boost your team temporarily this season, the return needs to be a good one for the Boston Celtics. They could use him for a push this season as well, regardless of whether this is his last in a green and white uniform.

Regardless, as Hardwood Houdini contributor put it, the team has a legitimate trade chip on their hands:

"His salary is really the only meaningful one on the roster currently considered “tradable.” If he’s not part of their future plans — which very well might be the case given their surplus of dynamic young wings — he’s a prime candidate to be moved."