Chris Mannix: Why a sign-and-trade for Gordon Hayward makes sense for Celtics

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The Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz's potential sign-and-trade, involving Gordon Hayward and Jae Crowder, has left some scratching their heads.

What would the Celtics want in return?

"They wouldn't be looking for much," The Vertical's Chris Mannix said on "Boston Sports Tonight" Wednesday.

So, if the Celtics already agreed to terms on a deal with Hayward, why would they give up practically nothing for Crowder?

"There are a lot of machinations to this deal, and how you'd clear enough salary cap space to acquire Gordon Hayward is to move a big salary, like a Jae Crowder," Mannix said. "The Celtics were on the phone with a number of teams, talking about Marcus Smart, talking about Avery Bradley, trying to take the temperature to see what they can get back. To make this deal happen quickly -- and they do have to make this deal happen quickly -- putting Jae Crowder in the deal is an easy way to clear some of that cap space and create a roster spot for Gordon Hayward."

Hayward and Boston agreed to a four-year, $128 million contract, according to The Vertical. Crowder is playing on a five-year, $35 million deal.

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