NBA Rumors: Hawks Await Gordon Decision, Ready To Talk Deal With Celtics

The Atlanta Hawks are looking to give resident star Trae Young some help and Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics is an option. However, the 30-year-old needs to figure out what to do first. He has yet to decide on his player option with the Celtics, one that would pay him $32.4 million.

Considering the financial ramifications brought in by the coronavirus, Gordon is likely to opt-in with that deal. While that could be good news for the Celtics, it does not necessarily mean he will remain in Boston. A trade could happen depending on what the Hawks can offer.

The Hawks will have to wait though. The Celtics and Gordon have agreed to wait until Thursday to decide on the option, ESPN reported. Even if most see Gordon opting-in, that could provide a better overview of what would come next.

Atlanta is said to be in play for Gordon according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. However, the manner of how to get the All-Star forward is what the Hawks will have to brace for. Will it be the $32.4 million deal due to the 6-foot-7 player or through a separate contract?

Aside from the player-option decision of Gordon, also worth factoring in is the 2020 NBA Draft. The Celtics have been trying to bundle their first-round picks to move up the drafting order. There is a chance that the Hawks could package the 8th overall pick for Gordon.

A reason behind the plan of Boston is because they are already dealing with a loaded roster. Though having multiple picks could work to their advantage, the effort may go to waste.

Also, this year’s draft class is not exactly a talented one. Most of the good players are in the top 10, a reason why Boston wants to move up in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Either way, the focus is Gordon for the Hawks. He should provide much-needed experience and help to Young although it does not guarantee Atlanta a sure spot in the NBA playoffs at the least.

For Boston, future picks could be in place instead of this year’s pick from the Hawks. Other players could also be dangled to address the voids that Brad Stevens is trying to resolve.