By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
According to a new report by Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics may still salvage something from the departure of Gordon Hayward, as they are reportedly still working with the Hornets on a sign and trade that would create a trade exception for them.
The snag: Charlotte needs to find a third team for Nic Batum’s $27 million contract. They reportedly want to avoid waiving and stretching Batum to make room for Hayward.
Sources: Boston and Charlotte have worked on a sign-and-trade for Gordon Hayward that would land Celtics a trade exception, but Hornets have first been trying to find a third team for Nic Batum's $27M contract to see if there's a way to avoid waiving-and-stretching his money.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 25, 2020
So it sounds like Danny Ainge could get something back for Hayward, after all. We’ll see exactly what they get in return for Hayward via the trade exception, but it will certainly be better than nothing.
MORE: Celtics sign first-round picks Nesmith, Pritchard
Ainge was set to speak with Toucher & Rich on Tuesday, but then postponed all of his upcoming media obligations – ostensibly because he wants to finalize a Hayward sign-and-trade first. But you can be sure to hear Ainge’s thoughts on that and everything else in the Celtics’ offseason next time he joins T&R.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.