Boston Celtics: 3 options for Gordon Hayward this off-season

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 11: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics drives around Austin Rivers #25 of the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 11, 2020 in Houston, Texas. 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 Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Opting into player option

The first–and most lucrative, at least in the short term–option for Hayward is to opt into his $34 million player option. Depending on the salary cap situation and based off of his play this season, that might be the best course of action for Hayward.

While he was having somewhat of a renaissance season for the Boston Celtics, Hayward was still not performing to the standards that he set in his last injury-free campaign with the Utah Jazz in 2016-17.

That season, he was averaging over 20 points as the leading man on a team that lacked much offensive firepower behind his contributions. Now, he is on many nights the fourth option on the team behind Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Even if his shot totals eclipse those three on a given night, it is clear that Hayward is not as much of a priority, and may not be a part of the long-term future in Beantown. Luckily, he can make the most of the partnership if he decides to collect the $34 million coming his way on his 2020-21 player option.

Sometimes the best move is the easy one.

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