The Spectre of Gordon Hayward

[csfansince60s]

I can't help but think that Hayward's pending free agency looms large over what the Cs will do trade-wise at this deadline and at the draft.

Despite the tampering rules and the harsh penalties associated with them, I find it really hard to believe that Danny and Brad don't know have a very strong idea as to if Hayward's coming here or not.

Does anybody else feel this way or am I being too cynical?

[ssspence]

I agree. It's hard to believe that the two sides haven't discussed it.

I do think that the player the Cs will target first is Griffin. But I'm sure they'll figure out that likelihood we'll in advance of the actual signing period.

[Roy H.]

Yeah, if the Celtics aren't tampering, they should be. There's no reason to trade for Butler / George if Hayward wants to be here.

[csfansince60s]

Yeah, if the Celtics aren't tampering, they should be. There's no reason to trade for Butler / George if Hayward wants to be here.

Using the cap space in getting a wing of Hayward's caliber for free and still having the assets that it would've cost to get Butler/George........either for another trade or to roll with all our overachievers with a 1-3-5 of IT/Hayward/Horford......phew!

[ssspence]

I do think it's reasons like this that Ainge will not reach for Butler. George is a different story, but his team is not going to trade him.

[mctyson]

I can't help but think that Hayward's pending free agency looms large over what the Cs will do trade-wise at this deadline and at the draft.

Fixed it but you are generally right. 

[jambr380]

Yeah, if the Celtics aren't tampering, they should be. There's no reason to trade for Butler / George if Hayward wants to be here.

Yes - this concise statement should just be posted at the top of the forums. Getting Butler or George would be nice, but only for the right price and only if we know for certain Hayward has no intention of coming to Boston.

[Darío SpanishFan]

Yes, that's been my point here to be on the do-not-trade-for-Butler side.

And, as I have explained, the elimination of the Jazz in the first round would be very good for this option. Let's get Hayward, pick the best player available on draftday and, after that, organize your summer trades.

[Rosco917]

Yeah, if the Celtics aren't tampering, they should be. There's no reason to trade for Butler / George if Hayward wants to be here.

Using the cap space in getting a wing of Hayward's caliber for free and still having the assets that it would've cost to get Butler/George........either for another trade or to roll with all our overachievers with a 1-3-5 of IT/Hayward/Horford......phew!

I like the sound of this, makes perfect sense. Next step would be an upgrade at center to improve rebounding, while keeping the 2017 draft pick too.

[Ilikesports17]

Yes, that's been my point here to be on the do-not-trade-for-Butler side.

And, as I have explained, the elimination of the Jazz in the first round would be very good for this option. Let's get Hayward, pick the best player available on draftday and, after that, organize your summer trades.

I think we have a shot at hayward, but the Jazz are a young team that is likely to win 50 games and can offer more money.

Its not like you can pencil him into our lineup for next season. The odds of him signing here have to be below 50%.

[csfansince60s]

Yes, that's been my point here to be on the do-not-trade-for-Butler side.

And, as I have explained, the elimination of the Jazz in the first round would be very good for this option. Let's get Hayward, pick the best player available on draftday and, after that, organize your summer trades.

I think we have a shot at hayward, but the Jazz are a young team that is likely to win 50 games and can offer more money.

Its not like you can pencil him into our lineup for next season. The odds of him signing here have to be below 50%.

The premise of the OP, though was that we likely know what Hayward is going to do already...that makes our priorities and trade decisions clearer.

[saltlover]

I doubt Hayward has decided what he wants to do, much less told the Celtics.  But the fact that Hayward doesn't know yet I think gives Ainge enough confidence that he has a real good chance.

[Ilikesports17]

Yes, that's been my point here to be on the do-not-trade-for-Butler side.

And, as I have explained, the elimination of the Jazz in the first round would be very good for this option. Let's get Hayward, pick the best player available on draftday and, after that, organize your summer trades.

I think we have a shot at hayward, but the Jazz are a young team that is likely to win 50 games and can offer more money.

Its not like you can pencil him into our lineup for next season. The odds of him signing here have to be below 50%.

The premise of the OP, though was that we likely know what Hayward is going to do already...that makes our priorities and trade decisions clearer.

OK, and I disagree with that premise.

[NHCelticsFan]

Hayward said he would prioritize winning a championship.  I would think he would see how good Boston is already, and how stacked the Western Conference is ahead of Utah.  He would have a much better shot at a ring in Boston without having to go through San Antonio or Golden State.  The fact that his off court friend and former coach is here can't hurt!

[mef730]

Question: If we sign Hayward, I'm assuming that we would be trading Crowder (unless we wanted to play really small ball with JC at the 4). What kind of value can we get for Crowder if teams know that we are forced to trade him? Memories of our inability to trade draft picks last year are swimming in my head.

Mike