NBA News Roundup, Friday, April 19th: Gordon Hayward to the Cavs, Jayson Tatum open to trade, and more

The 2019 NBA Playoffs are currently the talk of the basketball world, although there is no shortage of other stories emerging from around the league.

Teams are preparing for busy offseasons, and a number of stars continue to be linked with trades. So, here are the biggest NBA news stories and rumors you need to know for April 19th.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in Gordon Hayward

Could Gordon Hayward exit the Boston Celtics?

Despite returning to full fitness this season, Gordon Hayward's impact in Boston has divided opinion. The 29-year-old has failed to hold down a regular starting spot, and he finished the regular season averaging just 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

Nevertheless, Hayward has started the 2019 playoffs in fine form, and Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com is suggesting that the Cleveland Cavaliers could be interested in acquiring the former All-Star:

The Cavs would gladly take the polarizing Hayward, who was an All-Star in Utah before his horrific leg injury. He would be the main prize, the exception to Cleveland demanding a draft pick or ascending player on a rookie deal.

Hayward is healthy now and will have a full off-season to try to regain his old form, possibly giving the Cavs another piece to accelerate their timeline. Put Hayward, 29, alongside Kevin Love, Collin Sexton and the duo added in Round One and suddenly Cleveland has the look of a playoff team.

Of course, this hypothetical Boston-Cleveland swap would have to be a bigger move because of Hayward’s $32.7 million salary number. A trade would probably involve the expiring contracts of John Henson or Jordan Clarkson.

Hayward is currently in the second year of a 4 year $128 million deal he signed in 2018 -- although due to their pursuit of Anthony Davis, the Celtics may be willing to let him leave.

Jayson Tatum unfazed by trade talk

The Boston Celtics continue to be linked with a summer move for Anthony Davis, and Jayson Tatum is among the players being backed to head to New Orleans. In response to the ongoing rumors, Tatum told the New York Times that he is willing to play for any team that wants him:

Trade rumors don't bother me. They're talking about trading me for guys like Anthony Davis. So, I mean, I must be doing something pretty well. I love the game of basketball. Being traded is part of the game. I'll play for whomever. It's something I can't control.

Tatum's value skyrocketed during the 2019 playoffs, as the then 20-year-old managed to step up and fill the void left by injuries to both Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. However, after a mixed second season in the NBA, it seems as though the Celtics are now open to trading away their brightest young star.

Top prospect declares for NBA draft

Jarrett Culver has announced his intentions to enter the 2019 NBA draft

Following his breakout sophomore season, Jarrett Culver has declared for the upcoming NBA draft. After helping the Red Raiders reach the championship game, Jarrett announced his intention to enter the draft on his official Twitter page:

I want to thank God and my family for the talent to play this game and always supporting me. Thank you Texas Tech, my coaches & teammates, and Lubbock. We did things people thought weren't possible because of you. It's time to take the next step, always a Red Raider

During his second year in college basketball, Culver averaged 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 46.1 percent shooting from the field. Culver will forgo his remaining two seasons at Texas Tech, although the 20-year-old is widely expected to be among the top 10 picks in the draft.