Boston Celtics: 3 Gordon Hayward trades to the Phoenix Suns

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Giving up Gordon Hayward and draft picks to not acquire anything but role players isn’t an ideal spot to be in on the surface, but in all reality, it’s what the Cs really need.

Kelly Oubre can look to replicate his scoring, while Mikal Bridges can offer defensive aptitude to form a replacement platoon for Hayward’s two-way contributions.

Why the Phoenix Suns do it

Relinquishing Deandre Ayton is a big ask for Phoenix, but not nearly as much so when the Suns are acquiring a first-round pick in the process. New York’s #8 could potentially be packaged with their own selection to move even higher in the draft, or they could be packaged in another deal for a star.

Why the New York Knicks do it

New York is giving up two underutilized rotational pieces in this deal but snags a center that was once seen as a potential foundation piece worthy of the top pick in the NBA Draft. For their troubles, they do retain a first-round draft choice, though they lose their top 10 selection in favor of the final lottery pick courtesy of the Boston Celtics (who have the pick courtesy of the Memphis Grizzlies).