The Miami Heat have emerged as serious contenders to sign unrestricted free agent Gordon Hayward, and the Utah Jazz front office is wary of it. Veteran NBA insider Marc Stein of ESPN reported that people within the Jazz organization are fretting over the Heat’s ability to attract an elite free agent like Hayward. The Celtics remain a legit threat for Hayward’s services, but the Heat have been a traditional destination for free agents because of Miami's warm weather and no state tax policy.
“Free Agency Scuttle: Volume is rising on the whispers that the team worrying Utah in Gordon Hayward's free agency is Miami as much as Boston,” per Marc Stein of ESPN.
Why the Heat are a better pick than Jazz, Celtics
Although the Jazz and the Celtics established themselves in this year’s playoffs as serious contenders for more years to come, the Heat already possess a nice guard-big man combo in Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside to start with. The team also have the services of a bright young coach in Erik Spoelstra, who has already made an imprint by leading the Heat to a couple of NBA championship during the Big 3 era of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Again, Miami’s warmer weather, no state tax policy and big market status makes the city very appealing for Hayward. Of course, the former Butler standout can earn a much higher base salary by staying in Salt Lake City because of the Jazz’s ability to offer a longer and more lucrative deal, but it still pales in comparison to what he can earn in Miami off the court.
As for the possibility of Hayward signing with the Celtics, Boston can sure offer Hayward the same money as the Heat, along with the big market opportunities. This team is also poised to stay in the upper echelon in the Eastern Conference, as they have the assets and cap space to form a formidable team in the coming seasons.
Too many scorers for one basketball team
However, there’s no guarantee Hayward will be the focal point of the offense. Isaiah Thomas, who averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists last season is still going to be the go-to guy. Things could also get more crowded if the Celtics swing a trade for another winger like Jimmy Butler or Paul George.
On the other hand, Miami can assure Hayward that particular role since Dragic used to thrive as a second option and Whiteside could still put up the same numbers by crashing the offensive boards and making an impact on the defensive end.
