It looks increasingly less likely that the Boston Celtics will deal Rajon Rondo, one of their key pieces, before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. However, it appears they are just as unlikely to add at least one major potential piece.
Gordon Hayward is not expected to be traded by the Utah Jazz this season, Sean Deveney of the Sporting News reports. The Celtics had been interested in Hayward, who is a natural small forward but also has played two-guard in bigger Utah lineups.
Hayward is eligible for restricted free agency at the end of this season, meaning whichever team has him on its roster reserves the right to match any contract offer he receives from another club.
Utah’s reluctance to deal Hayward means there won’t be a Butler University reunion on Causeway Street. Hayward played under current Celtics coach Brad Stevens for two seasons with the Bulldogs, famously missing a long 3-pointer at the buzzer in the 2010 NCAA Championship game.
Hayward has emerged as a player potentially on the cusp of stardom with the Jazz, averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
Photo via Facebook/Utah Jazz
