In the case of where you know yourself the best, Power forward Gordon Hayward has done something unexpected as he completely opts out of the final year on his contract with the Boston Celtics, rejecting a $34.1 million deal and walking straight into the free agency.
That’s a big deal to walk out from for an NBA player, and as a free agent, no team will be willing to offer that kind of deal to secure his services.
The 30-year-old power forward, who can also be deployed as a small forward, signed a big-money four-year deal, worth $128 million with the Celtics back in July 2017, reuniting with his former head coach Brad Stevens, who coached him in his time in college as several best high roller casinos continued with their odds on the duo. Trying to make the runs on his debut day for the Celtics, the 30-year-old power forward fractured his tibia and dislocated the ankle in his left in just six minutes to the team’s opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This resulted in him sitting on the sidelines for the rest of the season and he hasn’t been the same ever since.
Hayward was awarded Horizon Newcomer of the Year, after averaging 13.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in his freshman year while playing for the Butler Bulldogs in the 2008/09 season.
Into his professional career, the 30-year-old forward spent seven years with the Utah Jazz, making his name and slowly integrating himself as an All-Star player. In his final season with the Utah team, he averaged 21.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in 34.5 minutes per game. He has been unable to replicate those numbers ever since.
For the 2019/20 season, which is now considered as his final campaign with the Boston Celtics, Hayward was able to average 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for the Celtics’ team in 33.5 minutes bringing excitement to many fans as they place odds on him in several new zealand online casino ahead of the games. He also scored 38.3% of his three-pointers.
While his numbers still carry a value a little higher than the average but no team will be willing to hand out $34 million in free agency.
While there might be a reason for his sudden decision to become a free agent, it is his decision and we can only guess around. His reason could stem from the fear of having the Celtics trade him to an inferior team if he agreed to their terms so he feels much safer making the decision over his future.
Whatever the reason may be, rejecting a $34 million deal at this stage of his career is quite surprising to hear.