Boston Celtics: 2 offseason Gordon Hayward trades

Heading back to the Philly trade well

The second trade scenario here would be a mulligan for the Philadelphia 76ers that would cost them what they were able to get out of the Jimmy Butler mulligan they received last season. The fact that they need mulligans in consecutive seasons is an indictment of the Process, but if they are set on still building around Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, Gordon Hayward’s game would be a seamless fit.

For the C’s, a familiar face in Al Horford would make his way back to the franchise he was within one game of reaching the NBA Finals with. Horford admitted he would have considered Boston last summer if he had known Walker was coming to town.

Now, he could rejoin the team after proving that the grass wasn’t greener on the other side. Horford’s presence would move Daniel Theis to the bench, and where he’d be joined by Josh Richardson and Shake Milton.

The additional pick acquired in the deal could be used to move up in the draft if the Boston Celtics had a target in the top 10 picks in the draft. The roster would gain plenty of depth while allowing Marcus Smart the chance to become a full-time starter. For Danny Ainge, now is the time to strike and catch Philadelphia selling off pieces for cheap.