Knicks interested in acquiring Celtics' Gordon Hayward?

The New York Knicks have been linked to a number of players who are reportedly available via trade, and one of those players currently is on the Boston Celtics roster. 

According to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, the Knicks are reportedly interested in acquiring Gordon Hayward if he becomes available next week. Per NBC Sports Boston's Justin Leger, O'Connor mentioned the Knicks as a suitor for Hayward on Friday's episode of "The Mismatch" podcast. 

Hayward has a $34.2 million player option for 2021, but reports have indicated that he wants out of Boston. The 30-year-old also has been linked to the Indiana Pacers recently, who could potentially send Myles Turner the other way. 

ESPN's Zach Lowe and Bobby Marks recently reported that Hayward was considering opting out of his current deal in order to search for a long-term contract with a new club. It's not surprising the veteran is in search of a new deal — teams might be more restricted in the future given the implications from the coronavirus pandemic, and the 2021 draft class is projected to be star-studded.

Hayward's tenure in Boston has been less than ideal, to say the least. The 30-year-old's career in green started off with a gruesome, season-ending injury in 2017, and he never has returned to the player he once was with the Utah Jazz.

Still, he managed to average 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season while shooting 50 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from beyond the arc. 

On top of Hayward, the Knicks also are reportedly interested in trading for Rockets point guard Russell Westbrook, who made it known this week that he wants out of Houston.