Celtics forward Gordon Hayward has opted out of the final year of his contract and immediately becomes a free agent, able to sign with any team in the NBA.
Hayward, who played three seasons in Boston, made the decision shortly before the 5pm deadline and it was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Celtics’ Gordon Hayward has opted out of his $34M deal for the 2020-21 season and will become a free agent, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 19, 2020
Hayward signed a four-year deal before the 2017 season which included a player option for 2020-21 worth $34.2 million. His opt-out puts the Celtics in a tough spot, since the team will not be able to replace that money due to NBA salary cap rules.
Had the Celtics maintained his rights and worked out a trade with a willing partner, Boston would have been able to match the salaries and swap players.
There it is. Reminder Hayward could still
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) November 19, 2020
--Re-sign with Boston
--Sign-and-trade to another team
--Sign outright with another team https://t.co/x3GJLBVFSk
One thing Gordon Hayward opting out does do (if he's gone) is let Celtics use full mid-level exception instead of taxpayer mid-level this offseason.
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) November 19, 2020
Hayward's opt-out viewed more as a formality. League source said it's still possible he returns to C's in restructured deal, unless, ala Al Horford, he receives home run offer from Atlanta or New York. "Gordon doesn't even know right now."
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) November 19, 2020
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