Top three free-agent landing spots for Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward is an unrestricted free agent. His move to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Feb. 8 trade deadline hammered his value around the NBA. Hayward had previously spent three and a half injury-hit seasons with the Charlotte Hornets.

Since free agency began, Hayward's name has rarely hit the rumor mill. He is still without a team. Nevertheless, his perimeter scoring, playmaking from the wing and versatile defense will undoubtedly entice a front office to roll the dice on him with a veteran minimum contract.

With teams around the league putting the finishing touches on their rosters, here are three potential landing spots for Hayward ahead of the new season.

1. Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers have available roster spots. They're also a contending team. Hayward would quickly establish himself within Nick Nurse's bench rotation and provide reliable ball handling on the wing to minimize the wear-and-tare on 38-year-old Kyle Lowry.

When healthy, Hayward can still make a big impact and help a team win at the highest level. He's a former All-Star. Most importantly, though, he would provide high-level cover for Paul George as part of a substitution pattern or when he needed to miss games due to injury or load management. Nevertheless, Daryl Morey may be reluctant to add another injury-prone forward to his rotation, especially one that would be an insurance policy for George.

2. New York Knicks

Hayward's defensive versatility would fit perfectly within Tom Thibodeau's system in New York. He can guard multiple positions, is reliable at the point of attack and has enough size to make an impact as a help defender. Thibodeau would likely keep Hayward on low minutes as he often prioritizes heavy playing time for his starters.

The Knicks bench unit would be far stronger with Hayward as part of the second unit. If given enough playing time, he will be a double-digit scorer who can hit the three at a 37% clip. New York is a contending team; Hayward is a consummate veteran and he would be a strong fit with the Orange and Blue if the front office extended him an offer.

3. Boston Celtics

Hayward has unfinished business in Boston. He joined the franchise in 2017 but broke his leg in the opening game of the season and never reached his All-Star level after recovering. Hayward chose to leave the team in 2020, signing a multi-year deal with the Hornets. Hayward was coached by Boston's President of Basketball Operations during their time together at Butler University.

Due to the depth of Boston's roster, Hayward would face an uphill battle to earn playing time. However, his presence on the bench would further add to the elite depth at Mazzulla's disposal. Hayward may be attracted to chasing a championship ring with his former team and mentor.