Report: Gordon Hayward Eyeing 4-Year, $100M Contract in Pacers Sign-and-Trade

As Gordon Hayward continues to push for a sign-and-trade with the Indiana Pacers after opting out of his contract with the Boston Celtics, Marc Stein of The New York Times reports the forward's offer from Indy could reach $100 million over four years. 

Stein notes the New York Knicks remain an option for Hayward as well, but they are offering a significantly lower contract than that discussed by the Pacers.

Hayward was set to make $34.2 million with the Celtics this year had he opted into his contract. Instead he took a gamble that a larger payday was available. He might be right. 

But it may cost the Pacers much more than money in the process. 

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported earlier Friday that the Celtics were looking for a return of Myles Turner and T.J. Warren or Victor Oladipo. That was a much higher price than what Indiana initially offered, which Washburn noted was a package centered on Myles Turner and Doug McDermott. 

The former would be a major coup for Boston and an even larger risk for Indiana. 

Hayward has played just 125 games since signing with the Celtics in 2017. A fractured tibia and dislocated ankle cost him his entire first season in Boston, while a fractured left hand last November cost him another month of the season. 

Boston was forced to exercise plenty of caution with the small forward over the last year to ensure he would be on the court when it needed him most. The Celtics were able to get 52 starts out of Hayward, with the Indiana native averaging 17.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

Now entering his age-30 season, it's unclear what type of value he adds to a Pacers team that was swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Miami Heat in August.