3 Former Celtics Boston Should Sign For a Reunion This Offseason

2. Gordon Hayward

Hayward, a big-ticket free agent signing back in 2017, started last season with the Charlotte Hornets before being shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the trade deadline. Across his two stops, the 34-year-old averaged 9.8 points per game (including 14.5 PPG as a starter in Charlotte). His minutes went down significantly once he joined OKC, as he started every game with the Hornets and averaged 32 minutes per game. Clearly, Hayward still has something to contribute even as he enters his mid-30s.

Hayward was signed by the Celtics to a four-year, $128 million deal to reunite him with his former college coach at Butler, Brad Stevens. Only minutes into his Boston career, Hayward suffered a gruesome leg and ankle injury. He wouldn't step on the court again for the C's for another calendar year.

Hayward still made a sizable impact despite the horrific start to his time in Boston, but he obviously never lived up to the contract and expectations. He was acquired by the Hornets in a Nov. 2020 sign-and-trade. Does Brad Stevens want to run it back with Hayward one more time for a title after they lost two national championship games together at Butler?