Boston Celtics: 3 replacements for Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward replacement No. 3) Danilo Gallinari

Over the past few months, reports have surfaced that many around the league believe the Boston Celtics to be an attractive landing spot for talents willing to accept a veteran minimum contract or the mid-level exception.

One surprise player who has been rumored to potentially be interested in signing for the league’s MLE, if given a chance to compete for an NBA championship, is Oklahoma City Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

"“Is playing for the NBA Championship more important than a contract? Yes. At this time, yes. I’m not twenty anymore.” -Danilo Gallinari"

Despite only being 32-years-old and coming off a very impressive 2019-20 campaign, Gallinari has already stated that winning a Larry O’Brien trophy is much more of a priority for him than inking a large-contract — surprising, being that with his season averages, he could easily cash in with a plethora of teams.

Through 62 games played, the 12th year veteran put up a very productive stat line of 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 40.5 percent shooting from deep.

Earlier this year it was reported that the forward was a player the C’s front office was monitoring as a potential trade candidate. With this in mind, why wouldn’t he be on the C’s radar this offseason, especially if they need a replacement at the three-spot should Gordon Hayward opt out.

Gallo’s impact on the success in which OKC saw this past season cannot go understated. His box plus-minus rating trailed only Chris Paul, who finished within the top-10 at the end of the season in MVP voting.

His veteran experience, impressive knack for scoring (averages 16.2 points on 38 percent shooting from deep for his career), and big-bodied physique (6-10, 225-pounds) would be an absolute blessing to have within this Boston Celtics starting-five.

If ever there were an ideal replacement for the former All-Star wing, it would be Danilo Gallinari who, minus his lacking facilitation ability, has virtually the same skill set as Hayward.