Celtics, Hornets working on a sign-and-trade for Hayward

Will the Boston Celtics be able to pull off a sign-and-trade that ships Gordon Hayward to the Hornets? Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Celtics, Hornets working on a sign-and-trade for Gordon Hayward

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/25/20

The Boston Celtics may be getting something in return for Gordon Hayward after all.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics and Charlotte Hornets are working on a sign-and-trade for Hayward. The Hornets first are looking to unload Nic Batum's contract via a third team.

Whatever the final details, Gordon Hayward is headed to Charlotte on a four-year, $120M contract. https://t.co/o9DqjEZeYj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 25, 2020

If the Celtics sign Hayward to a four-year deal worth $30 million per season, and then trade him to Charlotte, they'll receive a $30 million traded player exception which they can use at any point within the next year to spend on a player via trade or free agency.

If Boston can get $30 million to sign another player, they'll have an opportunity to acquire one of the bigger names in free agency or the trade market.

Hayward signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Hornets over the weekend after declining his $34.2 million player option with Boston for the 2020-21 season.

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