Will the Celtics sign Gordon Hayward?

Debate the answer with Chad Finn and Boston sports fans at The Sports Q.

Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward is guarded by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry in the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals. George Frey/EPA

By Chad Finn

June 12, 2017

2 minutes to read

Welcome to Boston.com’s Sports Q, our daily conversation, initiated by you and moderated by Chad Finn, about a compelling topic in Boston sports. Here’s how it works: You submit questions to Chad through Twitter, Facebook, email, his Friday chat, and any other outlet you prefer. He’ll pick one each day (except for Saturday) to answer, then we’ll take the discussion to the comments. Chad will stop by several times per day to navigate. But you drive the conversation.Just based on knowing what we know today, do you think the Celtics sign Gordon Hayward? – McHale Drop Step

I’m not sure if knowing what we know today is a reference to our overall general knowledge about Hayward’s status or the specific and since-deleted tweet by his wife Sunday in which their daughter was wearing a Go Green shirt with a shamrock on it. I suspect we’re searching a little too hard for meaning with the latter, but my answer is the same either way.

Yes, I do believe the Celtics will sign the offensively talented Jazz forward. I’m convinced of it, actually.

Sure, the Jazz can pay him more money, and there will be other teams that will try to emerge as serious suitors, the Heat apparently being one. But I fully believe in Hayward’s loyalty to Brad Stevens and desire to unite with his college coach again.

Mark Titus, who played high school ball with Hayward, had some insightful info on this in a recent podcast with Bill Simmons. Hayward was something of a late-bloomer as a prospect. Stevens was on him early for Butler and was the first to offer him a scholarship. When bigger schools such as Indiana came after Hayward later on, he nonetheless honored his commitment to Butler. Something tells me he doesn’t regret it.

We’ll hear lots of stuff in the NBA’s silly season leading up to free agency about what Hayward might do and who wants him. But I bet it’s resolved very soon after free agency actually begins. He’ll be saying, “Go green” too.

What do you guys think? Does Hayward come to Boston? I’ll see you in the comments.