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

Team that could be interested in Gordon Hayward No. 3) Indiana Pacers

While the Miami Heat have been linked to many players this offseason, those players’ current teams likely will not want to give them up without a fight. In the case for keeping Victor Oladipo with the Pacers moving forward, the front office will likely be looking into making moves to bolster the firepower around their All-Star guard, hence why we see this connection today between the franchise and the former All-Star.

Hayward’s game is so impressive, however, that Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley deemed the wing as someone who should be Indiana’s top trade target this offseason should they opt to keep Oladipo or not:

"The Pacers need a top-tier scorer either to complement Victor Oladipo or to replace him if he departs between now and 2021 free agency. Hayward, a Circle City native, could be perfect for the job. “The kind of player Hayward is, is the kind of player they would definitely be interested in,” J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star told NBC Sports Boston’s A. Sherrod Blakely. Hayward holds a $34.2 million player option for next season, so the Pacers would want some assurance of a long-term commitment before trading significant players to get him. But if that part gets worked out, this is a no-brainer. He has dazzled in both featured and secondary roles, so he can fit however Indiana needs him."

The home-town connection coupled with the complimentary play-making the franchise would be receiving on just a one-year contract is certainly something the Pacers could seriously consider pursuing this offseason.