GOOOD NEWS :Why the Suns, Warriors, or Celtics aren’t able to buy out Gordon Hayward

 GOOOD NEWS :Why the Suns, Warriors, or Celtics aren’t able to buy out Gordon Hayward…

A clause in the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) prohibits a reunion between Gordon Hayward and the Boston Celtics, as idyllic as that may seem.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports that a number of clubs are keeping an eye on the potential for Hayward to be purchased out of his $31.5 million deal, which is about to expire, by the Charlotte Hornets. If Hayward were to go on the buyout market, a number of competitors would see him as the key they’ve been lacking to improve their chances of winning the championship, particularly those teams that can’t make any significant changes before the NBA trade deadline on February 8.

It is possible to rule out at least seven of these championship contenders: the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns. The new CBA basically prevents clubs above the tax apron from signing Hayward because of his salary, which surpasses the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception. A player’s pre-buyout contract hasn’t historically prevented a contender from selecting them once they passed waivers. As an example, consider the signing of Russell Westbrook by the Clippers last year after his agreement to a $47 million buyout from the Utah Jazz.

In the next years, a number of other new CBA regulations might discourage competing clubs, particularly those who use three max-level players.

Potential locations for Hayward
Which postseason-bound teams, therefore, have a chance to go after Hayward? There have been hints of interest from the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Additionally, Hayward may rejoin the scorching Utah Jazz, who are now on a five-game winning run.

Though eliminated from the battle for Hayward, the Celtics are allegedly actively pursuing “bench help” in front of the NBA trade deadline on February 8. The Celtics, who are heavy favourites to win the NBA Championship in 2024, only have a relatively small bench right now, with Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, and ageing Al Horford getting significant playing time.

On Monday’s injury report, the Raptors and Celtics both list their key starters.

Jaylen Brown’s availability for Monday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors is still uncertain. The Boston Celtics declared that the 27-year-old forward’s right knee hyperextension makes him doubtful to play. He is Boston’s only injury going into Toronto. It will be another shorthanded night for the Raptors without Christian Koloko, Otto Porter Jr., or Jakob Poeltl. Poeltl has not provided an update on his condition, and additional details about his damaged left ankle won’t be known for at least another week. During practice on Sunday, the Austrian big man was seen shooting as the training staff examined his ankle. Gradey Dick, a rookie first-round selection, was on the injury list on Monday morning due to a sprained right thumb. Now that Boston is involved, his position is in doubt. Dick was brought up from the G League to supplement Toronto’s roster in the face of the team’s mounting injury list. In his twelve minutes of action against the Utah Jazz, he went 0 for 3 from the pitch. It seems doubtful that he will play much against the Celtics if he is fit, unless the game is a blowout. The 20-year-old was demoted to the G League to improve his fitness after having a terrible debut season. As Toronto’s starting centre, expect Jontay Porter or Thad Young to receive the start. Poeltl’s absence has made Young the starting lineup, but Porter emerged as the stronger of the two in the second half of the Utah game. If he gets the start on Monday against the Celtics, it wouldn’t be shocking. Copyright ABG-SI LLC. ABG-SI is the registered trademark holder of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.