#Gordon Hayward wants out of Boston: Ryen Russillo

Gordon Hayward’s future with the Celtics appears to be up in the air.

The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo said Tuesday that he heard the Celtics big man “does want out” of the final year of his $127.8 million contract he signed during the 2017 offseason. Hayward would be opting out of $34 million for the 2020-21 season.

Considering how Hayward has struggled to remain healthy and as a result been given a reduced role, behind Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker, many have speculated he’d be wise to accept the option. But ESPN has reported that there’s been some “buzz” that the 30-year-old may opt out and seek a long-term deal with a new team.

Russillo said he doesn’t believe Hayward would leave unless he had secured a lucrative, multi-year deal.

“I don’t know if he’s going to get the money,” he said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.” “He’s not opting out of that huge number unless he knows he’s getting the deal.”

Hayward appeared in 52 games during the 2019-20 season, averaging 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He suffered a slew of injuries throughout the season, including ankle sprains, a concussion and a foot injury.