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Houston Rockets Rumors: Gordon Hayward should be targeted in the future

By Kenneth Cline

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 16: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Toronto Raptors on January 16, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 16: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Toronto Raptors on January 16, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Houston Rockets target
Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

What’s the Catch?

Of course, we’re talking about in the near future here because as it stands, Hayward is in the second year of his four-year, $128 million deal with the Celtics. He also has a player option added for the 2020-2021 season, which he would make over $34 million that season should he take it. So potentially, if Hayward were to be a free agent by then, he would have the choice to stay in Boston or sign with another team.

As of now, he is currently averaging 11 ppg on a Celtics team that is fifth in the Eastern Conference just one-year removed from a Game 7 loss in the conference finals as well. You got to remember the leg injury he suffered a season ago, which ended his time for the year. The Celtics might’ve gotten to the finals had Hayward played. This is a little over half of the 21.9 ppg he averaged while with the Jazz in the 2016-17 regular season. He continues to try and return to what he was before the injury.

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Getting Hayward would also be beneficial to helping the Houston Rockets and their current one-man performance of Harden. Hayward is nowhere near the scorer he was with the Jazz. However, the former Butler University star won’t need to be that player anymore because he wouldn’t have the best scorer on his team.

This is easy considering Hayward is playing with a guy who averages over 20 ppg in Kyrie Irving.  But if Hayward were wearing red, he would benefit in the offense as a wing player, who can pretty much do everything. What Harden might lack on defense, Hayward can bring. If Harden struggles one game, then someone else needs to step up. Hayward can be that player.

For now, we can just sit back and enjoy Harden carry the team on his back as far as he can go. The hope is that Harden can continue this play to lead to a championship. But at some point, the Houston Rockets will have to grab a player that can be useful and willing to help contribute to keeping Houston in the elite teams along with the Warriors, Thunder, Lakers, and Celtics for the time being.

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Houston has tried to add pieces in the past that were either successful, but didn’t get over the hump, or never panned out. They tried that with Josh Smith or Joe Johnson in the past, but to no avail. While Hayward might not have the athleticism, he would be a perfect three to the team. If the Rockets can somehow regain this team by the year of 2020, then they should consider picking up Hayward.

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