The Celtics need to trade for Utah's Gordon Hayward

By foxsports
Published

In his most recent column, ESPN's Zach Lowe proposed an interesting possibility: What if the Boston Celtics made a play for Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward? 

Utah has acted boldly before in the face of tough choices, and the bold move at next month's trade deadline would be flipping Hayward or Favors as their values crest. Hood and Burks could absorb most of Hayward's playmaking duty. Dealing Hayward now would act as a hedge against his free agency and perhaps land Utah a top-five pick -- one last shot at finding that elusive superstar. The Jazz have to at least think about calling Boston and Brad Stevens, Hayward's college coach, about a deal sending Hayward to the Celtics for the Nets pick, and maybe another first-rounder if Danny Ainge wields his arsenal with the hyperaggression that had Boston dangling four first-round picks for Justise Winslow.

Hayward has technically never made an All-Star team, but he's perpetually on the border, and has the exact skill-set Boston needs right now. 

The 25-year-old can be the primary ball-handler on an above-average NBA offense. He has range, gets into the paint and knows how to read a defense. And he's equally effective off the ball, cutting, spacing the floor and showing off his devastating athleticism whenever he can. 

Even if it costs the Celtics their most valuable asset (Brooklyn's unprotected 2016 first-round pick), they should strongly consider reuniting head coach Brad Stevens with one of the most talented players he's ever been around. 

There's a good chance Hayward's game will shine even brighter than it already has.