NBA rumors: Gordon Hayward’s latest update at the start of day 2 of free agency

There was a lot of activity on the first day of free agency, but many big names remain on the board.

The chief among them, no doubt, is Gordon Hayward.

The star forward has renounced his deal with the Boston Celtics, becoming an unrestricted free agent. But all reports so far have indicated that he would like to land with his hometown, the Indiana Pacers, which would require a signing and trade with the Celtics to get there.

Indiana and Boston seem far in the package for a Hayward trade, but as of Friday night securing such a deal seemed to remain the preference.

The Knicks remain in the hunt for Hayward with a salary cap space, according to league sources, but have held firm on lower numbers than Indiana.

Hayward has a big fan of Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks, I’m told, have shown some willingness tonight to go beyond an initial two-year offer.

– Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 21, 2020

Of course, Hayward leaving the Celtics and signing outright with a team like the New York Knicks or the Atlanta Hawks would be on the verge of disaster for Boston, so it’s not like Danny Ainge is drowning under the influence of the sink.

Either way, Saturday promises to be a busy day whether a resolution with the Hayward situation is more effective or not.

Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara / USA TODAY Sports Images