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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Renegotiating a long-term deal with the Celtics

Hayward doesn’t necessarily have to be phased out of the long-term picture in Boston. He could opt out of his player option with the hopes of hammering out a multi-year contract with Ainge and co.

This scenario could work out for both parties depending on how negotiations go. As mentioned, the cap could shrink, further limiting the Celtics’ spending power in free agency. Hayward’s bird rights are owned by the C’s, though. That means they can offer Hayward a lucrative deal that takes them over the salary cap and *gulp* over the luxury tax.

Now look, there’s no better option for the team than retaining Hayward. That said, no one wants to see the team once again break the bank after seeing Hayward cash in on the team’s highest salary while missing over 100 games in his three seasons in Beantown.

If Ainge could get Hayward to sign on the dotted line to a deal similar to the four-year, $25 million deal Draymond Green signed with the Golden State Warriors, both parties should be satisfied.

It remains to be seen what the cap situation will be like this summer and beyond, though.

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