NEWS FLASH: Super Star to Be Sent to Celtics Rival in a Pending Trade.

Gordon Hayward isn’t much of a threat to the Boston Celtics right now because he plays for the Charlotte Hornets. That might alter, though, if a team in his division, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, made a trade for him. That might work given the Sixers’ cap flexibility. In a story published on December 11, Adam Aaronson of the Philadelphia Voice suggested a trade that would send Hayward to the Sixers.

Marcus Morris Sr., Danuel House Jr., Furkan Korkmaz, Jaden Springer, a 2024 second-round pick via New York, and a 2029 76ers second-round pick are all acquired by the Hornets.

Hayward is a good fit for the Sixers for reasons other than his skill as a basketball player, according to Aaronson.

“Hayward earns a staggering $31.5 million this season, but he is on an expiring contract that satisfies the Sixers’ need for a win-now role player without interfering with their plans to use cap space in the summer of 2024. Although Hayward is no longer an All-Star, he is still a skilled passer, shooter, and dribbler, according to Aaronson.

Aaronson went on to say that Hayward has one special skill that the Sixers could really benefit from.

“Despite his size, Hayward is a superb ball handler and is a wing by trade. He might sign with the Sixers and essentially serve as their backup point guard, which would be their biggest offensive weakness, according to Aaronson.”The Sixers would gain a much-needed additional layer of versatility with Hayward.”

A fatal weakness for the Sixers has been their inability to find enough wing depth. Hayward is a talented playmaker who can also play solid defense. On November 20, the Hornets defeated the Celtics thanks in part to Hayward’s defense of Jayson Tatum.

Marcus Smart could potentially obstruct the Celtics’ hopes, just as an ex-Celtic like Gordon Hayward might. In a story published on November 4, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz suggested the following trade, which would send Smart to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Cash Received: Astute

Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp, and a 2024 second-round selection are acquired by the Grizzlies (via Portland Trail Blazers)

Swartz outlined how the Bucks would substantially benefit from Smart’s skill set.

“The only issue with the Damian Lillard trade was Milwaukee’s defense, which dropped from fourth in 2022–23 to 21st overall this season. The addition of Smart, a seasoned point-of-attack defender who can also move onto bigger forwards, would aid in the Bucks’ ascent back to the top of the standings.

“With Jae Crowder, Malik Beasley, Cameron Payne, Andre Jackson Jr. on the bench, a starting five of Lillard, Smart, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez would be extremely potent on both ends,” wrote Swartz.

During the 2023–24 season, former Celtics Aaron Nesmith and Moe Wagner had their number. If Smart or Hayward were on the other side of the court from the Celtics, who knows what they would do.

Blake Griffin is one player the Celtics could consider adding to their roster. It seems likely that Griffin will make a comeback. According to Brian Robb of MassLive, he wouldn’t anticipate Griffin returning for a few months even if he did.

“It is unlikely that Blake will make a comeback until after the trade deadline. By then, rosters will be more settled, and the C’s might have a spot or two open for buyouts or free agents, according to a story by Robb from December 8.

In the event that Griffin decides not to return, Robb continued, he still believes the Celtics will add more frontcourt depth.

“If it’s not Griffin, I do anticipate the Celtics to be aggressive in their pursuit of trade talks for other big men, meaning that Luke Kornet won’t be as much of a liability if injuries strike the frontcourt during the postseason.