Boston Celtics: 2 blockbuster trades C’s could make this offseason

Myles Turner comes to Beantown, Hayward heads home

This deal is contingent on if Gordon Hayward decides to opt out of his remaining one year left on his current contract and, instead, go for long term security in a sign-and-trade.

Sound crazy? Not exactly, especially when taking into consideration the hometown connection.

Throughout the small forward’s tenure with the Boston Celtics it’s been well documented that remaining healthy has been a major struggle. From his debut night in 2017 where he fractured his tibia and dislocated his ankle to, most recently, fracturing his left hand this past November in what appeared to be a simple collision with Spurs big man LaMarcus Aldridge, one things has remained consistent: fear of injury has been an overwhelming phenomenon for fans, team personnel and, most likely, Hayward himself.

With this in mind, it is a serious possibility that the veteran will opt for long term security and nab himself one last long-term deal rather than play out his final year of hi deal and risk getting injured again and, thus, costing himself a substantial amount of money in 2021 and beyond.

In the midst of his best season as a Celtic, Hayward is averaging 17.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 50 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from deep. Playing at this high of a level, coupled with the fact that he is 30 years old, this could very well be the best time for him to strike one last substantial multi-year deal.

While Boston may not necessarily be too keen on bringing back the wing if he opts out, as they currently roster four other players of the same ilk, there are a boat load of other teams that could benefit from his services, one in particular who could benefit Beantown as much as they would them.

In regard to realistic fits, the Indiana Pacers are a team that comes to mind. Being born and raise in Indiana, as well as attending Butler University (located in Indianapolis) it might be fitting for Hayward to receive a long term deal in a place that has a special place in his heart: home.

Though already rostering All-Stars Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, the team could use for someone of Hayward’s caliber and skillset. He’d continue to aid in their facilitation success (rank sixth in the NBA in assists per game) while only improving upon their underwhelming perimeter game lackluster scoring game (rank 22nd in points per game averages).

In return, the Boston Celtics would receive Myles Turner and Jeremy Lamb, fixing two areas of concern on their roster: their center rotation and second unit scoring.

On the season, Turner finds himself averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game on 45 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from deep. The 24 year old is a floor spacing, rim protecting center who would be a nice compliment to Boston’s main rotation of Daniel Theis, Enes Kanter and Robert Williams.

Lamb, who is posting solid averages of 12.5 points and 4.3 rebounds on 45.1 percent shooting from the floor and 34 percent shooting from 3, would be a great asset to have coming off the pine for this Celtics team that ranks 29th in the league in bench points per game and 27th in 3-point percentage.

In our eyes, this deal is a true win-win situation.