Boston Celtics: 3 free agent destinations for Gordon Hayward

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 12: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on December 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Miami Heat

The first team on this list is the only team that is currently in contention. The Miami Heat, with superstar Jimmy Butler in tow, could use a supplementary star to help commandeer the offense. Hayward could be the Robin to Butler’s Batman.

Remember, Hayward was once a target of the Heat, when Pat Riley tried to bring him into the fold in the summer of 2017. Of course, it was the pull of playing under Brad Stevens on the most successful franchise in NBA history that brought him to Boston instead.

Now, the historical rival Miami Heat could poach him back. With Miami ending the suspended season as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, they are not far away from being a bona fide contender in what used to be the league’s lesser half.

Adding Hayward to the lineup would bring another switchable, position-less wing. He’d bump either Meyers Leonard or Duncan Robinson to the bench, where Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodola currently prop up the starters on one of the league’s best second units.

The Heat have the capability to create over $30 million in cap space. If Hayward wants a long-term deal–likely his last–he could seek Miami as a potential destination to continue winning…if that is a priority.

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