The Boston Celtics have officially announced the signing of All-Star forward Gordon Hayward through a press release from the team this afternoon.
Celtics make official the signing of Gordon Hayward. pic.twitter.com/1exj8VwkJa
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) July 14, 2017
Hayward agreed to join Boston back on July 4, but it was not until today that the former Butler Bulldog signed the dotted on a contract with the C’s. Per the Celtics’ press release, Hayward said of the signing: “Whether you’re talking about the team’s, past, present, or future, the Boston Celtics are truly special. I can’t wait to be part of the winning culture of Boston, and to join my teammates and coach Stevens as we work to bring Celtics fans Banner 18.”
“This is a big day in Celtics history. Adding Gordon as a current All-Star, in the prime of his career, to an already good group of players is reason for excitement.” Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge noted in the release. “Gordon brings a great work ethic and character along with his ability to shoot, pass, and create offense in the pick and roll. His athleticism, size and versatility will allow him to fit in perfectly defensively as well.”
It was also announced that Hayward would wear number 20 with Boston. Though it was the number Hayward donned in the NCAA at Butler, as well as with his former NBA team the Utah Jazz, it is worth noting that no Celtic has worn #20 in a regular season game since former “Big Three” member and 2008 NBA champion with Boston, Ray Allen.
It’s official! #WelcomeGordon pic.twitter.com/xGPXawRT2I
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 14, 2017
Terms of Hayward’s pact with the Celtics had not yet been disclosed, but it will likely be somewhere in the range of a four-year max deal with an annual payout of about $30.6 million season, totaling about $128 million over the life of the contract. Boston waived backup big man and 2015 second-round pick Jordan Mickey earlier today to clear more space for their new All-Star’s contract. Cutting bait with Mickey helped the team save $1.47 million in cap space.
Hayward is coming off a 2016-2017 All-Star worthy campaign with the Jazz in which he recorded career-highs with 21.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, to go along with an outstanding 47.1 percent shooting clip from the field.
