Pacers remain Hayward's preferred destination, Knicks in hunt too

Indiana remains Gordon Hayward's preferred destination, league sources say, which requires a sign-and-trade with the Celtics to net the former Butler star a deal estimated in the four-year, $100 million range.

The Knicks remain in the Hayward hunt with salary-cap space, league sources say, but have held firm on lower figures than Indiana's. Hayward has a huge admirer in Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks, I'm told, have shown some willingness tonight to go beyond an initial two-year offer.

Source: Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter)

ANALYSIS: After opting out a $34M player option with the Celtics, Hayward is hoping to get a deal done with the Pacers via sign-and-trade. If things do not fall through with Indiana, Hayward could turn to the Knicks who have remained interested in signing the former All-Star forward.

Hayward has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, but when on the court he has proved to still be effective. Gordon is coming off a solid year with the Celtics where he put up 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 50% from the field.