After a disappointing loss to the Heat in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the five stages of grief have included frustration over yet another fourth quarter meltdown, appreciation of a year-long season that brought so much joy, excitement for young players like Grant Williams, Robert Williams, and Romeo Langford, and confidence that the franchise is in good hands with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
The fifth stage is hand-wringing over Gordon Hayward.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reports it’s “likely” that Hayward picks up his player option this fall.