A third maximum-contracted All-Star has left the Boston Celtics over the course of two offseasons.
Just as Kyrie Irving and Al Horford did a year ago, Gordon Hayward is leaving a Celtics team believed to be on the short list of Eastern Conference contenders. Hayward opted out of $34.2 million this coming season for the long-term security of a four-year, $120 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets. It is a curious offer from Charlotte and a blow to Boston’s title chances, even if matching the contract would have been unwise.