The New York Knicks are pursuing Boston Celtics small forward Gordon Hayward, who declined a $34.2 player option to enter free agency, according to multiple reports.
Marc Stein of the New York Times first reported on the Knicks’ interest, writing that they will be aggressive in courting Hayward.
The Indiana Pacers are also expected to make a run at Hayward, Stein noted, and the Celtics may try to re-sign him.
NBA free agency opens at 6 p.m. EST on Friday. Players can begin signing deals on Sunday evening.
The Knicks waived three players — Elfrid Payton, Taj Gibson and Wayne Ellington — and declined the contract option on Bobby Portis Jr., resulting in $40 million in available cap space.
