11 Former Celtics that are still available on the free agent market
By Tyler Watts
2. Gordon Hayward
Hayward joined the Celtics on a four-year max contract in 2017. He was coming off an All-Star season but played just five minutes with Boston before suffering a career-altering ankle injury. The 6’7 forward never regained his peak form and left to join the Hornets in a 2020 sign-and-trade.
Hayward has struggled to stay healthy in recent years. He has not played more than 52 games in a season since 2019 and suffered multiple leg injuries.
Charlotte traded him to the Thunder at the 2024 deadline, but things did not go as planned for the veteran. He lost confidence in his shot and fell completely out of Oklahoma City's playoff rotation. He took three shots in seven games and did not score in the postseason.
The 34-year-old is one of the best free agents left on the market, but franchises are questioning what he can offer. His floor spacing and playmaking are key as his defense has slipped with age. If Gordon Hayward is hesitant to shoot, that quickly becomes a problem for any contender.
The former Celtic will get another shot in the NBA. He wants more playing time than he got in Oklahoma City and is still searching for the right opportunity.