Boston Celtics: 5 potential landing spots for Gordon Hayward in free agency

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 9: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 9, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 9: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 9, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
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With Gordon Hayward opting out of the final season of his 4-year, $127 million contract with the Boston Celtics, the forward will go on to test the free-agent market.

For the past several months, the Boston Celtics have found themselves intertwined within the league’s rumor mill for a multitude of reasons. From free agency buzz to potential draft-day snags, the team has been seen at the forefront of headlines for quite some time now.

This trend does not appear to be slowing down any time soon, as the team’s veteran forward, Gordon Hayward, has opted to decline the final year and $34 million remaining on his deal and test the waters of the NBA’s free agency.

Reportedly, there are numerous teams that could be interested in pursuing the former All-Star this offseason. Today, the Houdini lists 5 franchises that could find themselves in the running for his services:

Free-agent destination for Gordon Hayward No. 1) Dallas Mavericks

A long shot? Perhaps, but a guy like Gordon Hayward could actually be a serviceable commodity for this young and promising Dallas Mavericks squad.

Adding a veteran who possesses an impressive array of all-around offensive talents and experience leading a team of his own into the playoffs would be a solid piece to slide in as a third option in the starting rotation alongside franchise player Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.

Should it be in the form of a floor-spacer, a facilitator, or a shot creator, adding a healthy Hayward to this already immaculate offense would likely work wonders for the franchise.