Free agent forward Gordon Hayward reportedly chose the Boston Celtics, according to a report from ESPN and confirmed by other outlets. However, there were conflicting reports from Adrian Wojnarowski and David Aldridge saying Hayward had not made a final decision.
Free-agent Gordon Hayward plans to sign with the Boston Celtics, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 4, 2017
Gordon Hayward's agent, Mark Bartelstein, tells ESPN: "Gordon hasn't made a decision yet. We are still working through it."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2017
Okay. Strap in. Told by a source w/knowledge of the process that Gordon Hayward has NOT made a decision yet & is still in the process. FWIW.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 4, 2017
Hayward's agent Mark Bartelstein on whether final word is coming today: "That was the goal, but now we've got to kind of regroup here a bit"
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 4, 2017
If Hayward indeed picks Boston, the Celtics add Hayward to a team that finished No. 1 in the Eastern Conference, and he'll provide a second scoring option next to fellow All-Star Isaiah Thomas. Hayward played for Stevens in his two college seasons at Butler.
Hayward has produced steadily in his first seven NBA seasons, all with the Jazz, but had a breakout season in 2016-17. Hayward was named to his first All-Star team, and finished with averages of 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 40 percent on 3-pointers.
More to come as details become available.
