Things have taken a turn for the worse with the Gordon Hayward situation despite the announcement that they were postposing his option decision until Thursday. There are zero reports that the Celtics have attempted to negotiate a contract extension with Hayward. Not even reports from a team friendly low ball offer. There are significant reports that Hayward might just sign with the Hawks who have cap space. In this scenario there would be no sign-and-trade and the Celtics would get nothing back and have zero cap space to replace his production.
It's being assumed that the Celtics will attempt to convince Atlanta to do a sign-and-trade for Hayward, so that Boston can get a trade exception back in return.