Boston Celtics: 3 teams that could be interested in trading for Hayward

Team that could be interested in Gordon Hayward No. 2) Miami Heat

Being that the Miami Heat have publicly pursued Gordon Hayward in the past, it should come as no surprise that we find them on this list of possible suitors for the Boston Celtics forward.

Despite making the NBA Finals in an incredibly impressive fashion, it’s evident that this South Beach squad as currently constructed does not have what it takes to thrust themselves over the hump of the Western Conference’s elite in a seven-game series and, thus, they will likely look to make moves this offseason to get even stronger for another run at glory.

While there have been names linked to the franchise such as Victor Oladipo and Giannis Antetokounmpo as potential trade targets this offseason, perhaps the Heat could play the smarter scenario by entering the waiting game for when one of them — specifically Giannis — hits free agency in 2021.

This does not mean they should sit out on making moves this offseason, however.

On the contrary, this means that Pat Riely should look into creating cap space to land one of these aforementioned studs during the next free agency period. A deal for an expiring contract such as Hayward’s could potentially help them pursue both another shot at an NBA Championship next season while also clearing up $32M from the books after the campaign is all said and done.

The 30-year-old’s skillset fits right into what Miami likes to run offensively, and his presence would add another offensive-threat alongside stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.