Reports: Gordon Hayward Opts Out of Final Year with Celtics

A person familiar with the situation says Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward opted out of the final year of a contract that would have paid him $34.1 million, making him a free agent. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the decision has not been publicly announced. Hayward could still re-sign with the team, either to remain in Boston or be part of a sign-and-trade deal that would open up more potential destinations. Brad Stevens, who also coached Hayward in college at Butler, recruited Hayward to Boston in 2017 and the team signed to a four-year, $128 million deal.?