Report: Celtics, Hayward extend option deadline to Thursday

The Boston Celtics and Gordon Hayward agreed to extend the deadline for the veteran forward to opt out of the final year of his contract to Thursday afternoon, sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe and Tim Bontemps.

Hayward initially had until Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET to make a decision on his $34.2-million player option for the 2020-21 season.

In his first mostly healthy season since breaking his ankle five minutes into his Celtics tenure in 2017-18, Hayward re-established himself as an efficient scorer and solid secondary playmaker. In 33.5 minutes per night, the 30-year-old averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, with 38.3% shooting from beyond the 3-point arc.