NBA Trade Rumors: Pacers Interested In Hayward But Need To Lay Off Players

The Indiana Pacers are expected to retool and some players could be fit for them this 2020-21 season. One player that reportedly interests them is Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics. But the problem there is they would need to give up multiple players to get it done.

Hayward holds a player option and can exercise that right this offseason. However, pundits feel that he will opt in and test free agency in 2021. If that is the case and the Celtics feel they have no hold over the All-Star forward, Danny Ainge may just listen to offers for the 9th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, NBC Sports reported.

One team that has an interest in trading for Hayward is the Indiana Pacers. But for that to go down, Indiana would have to include multiple players to make up for the $34 million owed to Hayward. One player who could be involved is Myles Turner – someone who has ironically been linked to potential trade scenarios. Turner is making $18 million per year, meaning the Pacers need to add more assets to make it work.

Turner moving to the Celtics makes sense. Boston relied heavily on Daniel Theis so adding the 24-year-old center could give Boston added height and inside presence.

For the Pacers, it is no secret that the team has been interested in Hayward for some time now, SNY’s Ian Begley reported. Hayward grew up in Indianapolis and is someone who can provide added offensive sock to the Pacers next season.

In 52 games, Hayward averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 33.5 minutes of action. It was the best season he has had so far since joining the Celtics. But being constantly injured, Boston may be open to dealing him away for the right price.

Aside from Turner, another player who could make sense is Victor Oladipo. The only problem is that Boston already has Kemba Walker in the mix, meaning it may not be a deal Boston would be interested in.

For now, this should be taken lightly. Hayward needs to make a decision first on whether he will opt in or out of his deal with the Celtics. And even if he opts in, there is no assurance that the 6-foot-7 will stay in Bean Town moving forward. That is apparently what the Pacers are keeping tabs with.