Boston Celtics
New York Knicks
Indiana PacersHayward 3-teamer with Indiana
Even though the rumors all point to Hayward being targeted by the Pacers, here Indiana plays the role of facilitator in a massive 3-team deal that may just be bigger than the Houston blockbuster. Boston would bring in popular Indy targets in Myles Turner and Doug McDermott, while also inheriting the draft class of 2017 point guard duo of Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr.
New York would again snag Hayward but would pair him with Victor Oladipo, while also being joined by Daniel Theis, Carsen Edwards, and Aaron Holiday. The Pacers would go into a half-rebuild by bringing on four draft picks (three firsts) and two stars whose improvement could be kickstarted by escaping the Knicks.
Why the Boston Celtics do it
Again, giving up 17/6/4 if easier to justify for an upgrade at the starting center spot, a reliable 3-and-D wing (this time McDermott in place of House), and two potential backups (and if all goes well, potential future starters when Walker moves on) when those numbers don’t show up on postseason box scores.
Why the New York Knicks do it
The Knicks would make the same level of a splash as the Houston deal here but would instead bring on Victor Oladipo to be Hayward’s costar in the Mecca. The playoff hopes would be alive, but so would the idea of trading away this year’s lottery pick and some of the best young talents on the team for a one-year rental.
Why the Indiana Pacers do it
While the Pacers would be giving up by far the most in this deal, the amount of draft capital acquired would allow them to immediately start rebuilding and perhaps even field a competitive team in 2020-21 with Malcolm Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis, and T.J. Warren leading the way.
Who knows? If Mitchell Robinson and Kevin Knox could flourish in a new situation, this team could be more of a threat than they would have been sticking to the status quo that got them swept out of the Lake Buena Vista bubble in the 2020 playoffs.