In recent seasons, veteran swingman Gordon Hayward has at times looked like the odd one out amidst the youth movement on the Boston Celtics. As the Celtics look to feature their young wing studs more in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, could it lead to Hayward's potential exodus from the team?

Via Adam Wells of Bleacher Report:

“On The Bill Simmons Podcast (starts at 56-minute mark), Ryen Russillo reported that Hayward “does want out” of his deal for the 2020-21 season.”

The former Butler standout is owed $34 million next season if he opts into the final season of his four-year, $128 million contract signed back in July of 2017. However, he may also explore his options and test the free-agent waters instead.

Hayward's time with the team has been a mixed bag, riddled with unfortunate injuries. The team has deservedly focused on the development of rising stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown along with the arrival of All-Star guard Kemba Walker. In the event that Hayward leaves for other teams in free agency, the Celtics can still recoup with a bevy of assets available at their disposal.

They currently have three first-round selections (14th, 26th, and 30th) as well as the 47th pick in second round proceedings in the 2020 NBA Draft. Last year, the team added five rookies to their roster namely Romeo Langford, Grant Williams, Carsen Edwards, Tremont Waters, and Tacko Fall along with Javonte Green and Vincent Poirier.

In the 2019-2020 season, Hayward averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists through 52 games played. The Celtics went on to snag a 48-24 regular-season record and succumbed to a 4-2 series outcome at the hands of the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Hayward has still been a solid contributor, but it's staying on the court that's been an issue. The veteran may want long-term security elsewhere, or a chance to regain his form as a primary scoring option.

The upcoming offseason will be a busy one for the Celtics. Their aim is unmistakably to get over the hump and finally get a clear shot at the title next season.