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Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press
New York Knicks go after Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward, and according to Marc Stein of New York Times, the team was “aggressive in its pursuit”.
Stein reported that there is “a growing belief” that the 30-year-old will decline his option to play for the upcoming season, which is worth $ 34 million.
Hayward, who sprained his right ankle early in the NBA Playoffs but came back halfway through the team’s loss in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Miami Heat, averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 51 games for the Celtics. He went to the Celtics on a maximum four-year contract in 2017 after starting his career with the Utah Jazz.
Ian begley of the SNY corroborated Stein’s report, but noted that Hayward’s signing is “considered less likely” since the Knicks used all of their draft picks on Wednesday night. The Knicks’ picks were highlighted by Dayton’s Obi Toppin, who they took at No.8 before sending 23rd pick Leandro Bolmaro to Minnesota and adding Immanuel Quickley (No.25) in a trade to three.
Earlier Thursday, the Knicks cleared $ 40 million in salary cap space from six players. The team gave up on Taj Gibson, Elfrid Payton, Wayne Ellington and Kenny Wooten and turned down options for Bobby Portis and Theo Pinson, according to ESPN. Their full portfolio could make them an attractive landing point for Hayward in free agency.
Chris Haynes from Yahoo Sports reported Tuesday that the Atlanta Hawks are also interested in the 6’7 “star, who had an initial deadline of Tuesday to make his decision before both sides agree to extend it until Thursday. .
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