The Boston Celtics are reportedly primed to make a run at incoming free agent swingman Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN and Grantland head columnist Bill Simmons.

Trade rumors just won't stop haunting the Celtics. After the recent trade speculation surrounding All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo, the latest trade rumor points to the Celtics as the top suitor for Hayward, who's set to become a free agent for the first time in his career.

Hayward, who averaged a career-high 17.1 points, 54 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game this season, is already drawing interest from multiple teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats and the Celtics.

Simmons, who is known as a hardcore Celtics fan, believes general manager Danny Ainge could pull off a deal that would reunite head coach Brad Stevens and his former star player at Butler.

"From today's BS Report - I believe Boston will make a big play for Gordon Hayward, either a Feb. trade or a restricted FA offer in July," Simmons posted on his Twitter page.

Hayward Playing For Old Coach

Many Basketball analysts believe Hayward will be a solid pickup for the Celtics as they attempt to put the pieces together for their future campaigns. With plenty of assets to spare, the Celtics have the capacity to get the job done before the Feb. 20 trade deadline, though CLNS Radio NBA analyst Mark Loiselle Jr. believes the team will not pursue Hayward until this summer.

"Hayward, who played for head coach Brad Stevens at Butler University, is quite the player. Honestly, I coincide with Simmons on the free agency aspect more than the possible blockbuster deal," Loiselle said, via CLNS.

"The three-year guard is headed to restricted free agency, meaning that Utah would be able to match any offer to retain one of their franchise players. If he decided to take his shooting talents to Boston, the Celtics fan base would be in for a real treat," the analyst added.

The Celtics will have two options to get Hayward this offseason, and it can be done through free-agency signings or a sign-and-trade deal. Though the Jazz failed to lock down Hayward with a contract extension, the team still has the rights to match any offer placed on the table because he's still a restricted free-agent. Moreover, the Jazz won't just let Hayward walk away without receiving solid compensation in return, so a sign-and-trade scenario remains a possibility.