Free agent forward Gordon Hayward prefers to land with the Pacers, but the Knicks have continued to express interest in his services as free agency progresses, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times (Twitter links).
New York has so far offered lower figures than Indiana, who shares a mutual interest with Hayward, according to Stein. However, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (hat-tip Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports) relayed that the Knicks are actually willing to offer more money — just fewer years on a deal.
In order for Hayward to receive an estimated four-year, $100MM deal from Indiana, a sign-and-trade must occur between the Celtics and Pacers. Boston has expressed interest in adding a center during free agency, and Indiana’s Myles Turner could be included in a potential deal between the teams.
Despite offering lower figures than Indiana, New York has shown a willingness to go beyond their initial two-year offer for Hayward, Stein reports. Hayward, who declined a $34.2MM player option with the Celtics to become an unrestricted free agent, is said to have a big admirer in Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, Stein adds.
Several teams are discussing sign-and-trade scenarios on the former NBA All-Star, according to Wojnarowski, which means a resolution may not come until the weekend. Hayward could also re-sign with the Celtics on a brand new deal, Wojnarowski cautions. Hayward averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season, shooting 50% from the floor and 38% from deep.
Hayward left Salt Lake City to go to Boston, despite loving the team. Now, he says he’s going to Indiana instead of NY or staying where he is?
Come on. He’s just using Indiana to get a better deal.
Two completely different situations, Jason. In the first, he left to reunite with Stevens, a guy who helped develop him into an all-star. This time around, I don’t see why he would prefer to be stuck on a perennial basement dweller. The Knicks haven’t made the playoffs since, what, 2012? Instead he can go to his home state of Indiana, play with another very good player, and be a playoff contender.
Nope he’s going to Indiana . Indiana is using the Knicks as leverage in negotiations with the Cs
Next year Boston has to pay Tatum & Theis, in addition to Brown & Walker… I don’t think they can afford Hayward beyond this year. They could Balloon a FA for a year instead.
Indiana realized forwardless was the wrong direction.
Boston wants Turner and Warren why not ask for Hayward and Williams the shot blocker.
“Nope he’s going to Indiana”….LOL This is a red hot take that didn’t age well. He just signed with Charlotte Hornets.
Knicks are making excuses and saying that nba draft and free agents will be better next year
Always next year
They’re both good excuses since they’re both 100% factual.
Have you seen next year’s FA class & draft?
Knicks have 4 picks,, 2 per round (Dal pick is unprotected & conveys regardless)
I’m not even tripping with the 2021 FA class, because we still need to see what we have in RJ, Obi, & Knox. Somehow (not expecting it tho) singing Hayward this year can take some of the pressure off RJ to be a #1 option ASAP; but either way, we’ll get answers with is improvement/stagnation/regression.
You keep the Knicks at your fingertips more than your damn fingerprints Sillivan… this is not how you land a beat writer gig
So far Knicks have acquired Ed Davis and Burks
Please sign 4 more players as Four of The Kind
im tripping balls bro
Hayward to Indiana is a fait accompli. That is where Hayward wants to be, dollars and players returning to Boston are a good fit, it is just a matter of dotting i’s and crossing t’s.
I don’t kno y he wants to go to Indiana…and idn y Indiana wants to trade turner he’s the only sit blocked they have/defense…they get rid of him to celtics…they’ll never beat um in playoffs because that’s all they were missing this year…terrible trade to even think about
Knicks have been completely rational a day into the FA period. They’re looking first for a longer term piece on the wing, while reserving money for a vet PG. They can’t commit big $$ elsewhere until those opportunities exhaust themselves. I’m only surprised they haven’t gotten involved with BB given the Kings actions. Maybe once GH situation is resolved.
This is not Camelot…this is hoops. Hayward 4/100 is stupid. That is not a hometown discount. Indy should not overpay…give up too much to get him. Turner/oladipo/TJ is nuts. Turner and VO…take it or leave it. Hayward doesn’t like being frozen out in Boston. Brown,smart,Tatum, and rozier when he was there….all jealous of the contract he got when he went there. That’s why he opted out.
Three weeks ago this would have made sense if Boston included Stevens as part of the deal ;)
Hayward to Indy means back to the lottery….