The Boston Celtics plucked another big name via NBA free agency with Gordon Hayward announcing he has decided to leave the Utah Jazz and reunite with college coach Brad Stevens. The all-star forward has reportedly agreed to a four-year $128 million deal which includes a player option for the final year. Hayward made the announcement via The Players’ Tribune.

The Utah Jazz lost their leading scorer for next season, meaning they will have to scour the market for a suitable replacement. For the Celtics, the acquisition makes them all the more formidable though they could be forced to deal off some key players from the current roster.

Who follows Olynyk?

So far, the only player who is sure of leaving is bruiser Kelly Olynyk. Boston pulled the qualifying offer to the 26-year-old Canadian, but the Celtics need to do more tweaking to make room for Hayward.

Aside from renouncing their rights on other free agents, the Celtics can also waive Jordan Mickey, leave Guerschon Yabuselle overseas and turn to trades. There are names like Terry Rozier and Demetrius Johnson they could deal off, but their salaries may not be enough to keep Boston within the official cap space.

Hence, there could be high-profile players being dealt off. That would include the likes of Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley or even Marcus Smart. Dumping all of them could be a wise move, but team president Danny Ainge will likely continue to look forward and see what he can get in return.

Crowder, Bradley, and Smart are valuable players the Celtics have nurtured so dealing them out may be a bit tricky. Crowder holds a cheap $21 million deal spread for three years while Bradley and Smart have contracts that are due for negotiation – meaning more money which the Celtics can no longer afford.

Make Ainge an offer he cannot refuse

The Celtics are expectedly quiet about how to make ends meet, meaning anything can happen moving forward. It will not be an easy decision unless the mainstays agree to a pay-cut. If not, expect Ainge to listen to offers for any or all of them, most likely interested what he stands to get if he agrees to a trade.

Don’t forget Isaiah Thomas

Aside from Crowder, Bradley, and Smart, there is also Isaiah Thomas the Celtics will have to worry about at some point. This does not involve any trade involving “I.T.” but more on how an expected pay raise will affect the team’s salary budget.

Thomas is set to make just over $6 million next NBA season before he becomes a free agent. With his rise, Boston is more likely to keep and re-sign him in what could be another headache for Celtics management. In short, some players will have to go, and these could be pawns that may eventually be displaced due to the numbers game.
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