The New York Knicks have struggled to achieve much success over the last few NBA seasons. In an effort to improve their roster, they could look to make some key upgrades— whether it’s for a star player or complementary pieces. Could Boston Celtics’ Gordon Hayward be an option?
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Knicks have a particular target in mind— Gordon Hayward. However, it’s under the context of whether he decides to opt-in for his $34.19 million player option and if the Celtics want to trade him.
The Celtics will have plenty of options this NBA offseason when it comes to reconfiguring their roster. There is a need to upgrade at the center position and Hayward is a talent that could be used in a trade package in order to get it done, but if the Knicks were involved, it would require a three-team deal.
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The idea of trading for Hayward would likely be to shoulder his expiring deal in order for the Celtics to clear cap space while being compensated for it. However, that could change if the Knicks look to add another established star like Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook.
It will be fascinating to see the approach the Knicks decide to take this offseason. In recent years, they’ve hoped for the NBA Draft Lottery to play out in a favorable way for elite prospects and have banked on superstars signing with them— none of which occurred.
The New York Knicks may need to go out and make something happen directly if they want star power. A trade for a player like Gordon Hayward wouldn’t make them an elite NBA team, but it would help them to trend in the right direction.
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