After playing exclusively for the Utah Jazz, NBA All-star Gordon Hayward has reportedly declined his player option, opting out to play in Utah in 2017, per source this comes as no surprise because Gordon has expressed his desire to test free agency.
Hayward now available in the offseason
Gordon Hayward has played his seven seasons in the NBA for the Utah Jazz, he is one of the big names this coming offseason and will surely ask a max contract deal with a player option on the final year. Hayward had one of his best seasons yet, averaging 21.5 points, five rebounds, 3.5 assists, one steal and two three-pointers per game this season, he was also named an All-star this season.
Utah Jazz general manager, Dennis Lindsey, publicly announced how much he wants Hayward to stay in Utah, in an interview he said: "Every fiber of our collective being and soul of the Utah Jazz want him back." Utah is slowly becoming a threat in the western conference and losing Hayward will be a big blow to the franchise.
Celtics and Heat expressed interest in Hayward
With Gordon Hayward declining his player option it seems likely that he wants to be in a winning situation. One NBA team widely considered as Hayward's top pursuer is the Boston Celtics with Brad Stevens being his college coach it seems like a pretty good fit.
Celtics are fresh from the Eastern Conference finals and secured first seed in the Eastern Conference; It seems that Boston has everything Gordon may want.
If the Celtics get Hayward, they will be a serious contender in beating the Cavaliers and LeBron James.
Sources also stated that the Miami Heat is also among the NBA teams that are interested in Gordon Hayward, it seems unlikely though since Utah is a much better team than the Heat and it will make more sense for Hayward to stay in Utah than leave for Miami.
If we extend our imagination a bit even the Cleveland Cavaliers can make a run at Hayward, after striking out of the Jimmy Butler deal, Hayward can be a great fit. But for that to be possible the Cavaliers have to make some moves to clear some cap space in order for them to sign Hayward this offseason.
It was widely known how much the Cavaliers wanted Paul George, but it seems unlikely because George wants to go to Los Angeles once he becomes a free agent in 2018.
With Paul George, LaMarcus Aldridge, Carmelo Anthony, and Gordon Hayward looking for a new scenery this offseason could be one of the biggest offseason yet.
