Gordon Hayward, one of the top free agents in this season's NBA offseason, announced via The Players' Tribune website that he is no longer going to be a part of the Utah Jazz. The clear and unambiguous statement came about a quarter of the way through his article titled, "Thank you, Utah." According to Hayward's article, which was published in the evening on July 4, "After seven years in Utah, I have decided to join the Boston Celtics." The is major NBA news as Hayward is a strong enough player to have an impact on the standings. Furthermore, the news is part of an eventful day of transactions for the Boston Celtics.
Kelly Olynyk now in the free-agency market
At about the same time as it was announced that Gordon Hayward would be joining the Boston Celtics, it was announced that Kelly Olynyk, a power forward/center with the club, would likely be leaving the club. According to ESPN NBA Insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, "Boston has renounced restricted free agent Kelly Olynyk, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent" (July 4 tweet). Wojnarowski further tweeted that the reason for Olynyk being allowed to become a free agent is because Boston needed "payroll to create space to sign Gordon Hayward."
Where Olynyk will end up is a matter of conjecture. The Canadian player would certainly be a valuable asset to almost any team in the association.
With Hayward signed, it's Olynyk that is now one of the biggest free agents on the market. There should be numerous teams looking to acquire him.
Boston has renounced restricted free agent Kelly Olynyk, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2017
The Boston Celtics are now viewed as stronger contenders following the flurry of action.
They were already among the favorites to win next season's NBA title, even before signing Hayward. Betting odds have them as third favorites at this point to win the title next season behind both the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics' odds shortened from +900 to +850 with the popular sportsbook after the signing.
Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey wishes Hayward family "the very best," and tells ESPN: "We have a good young core and we are going to compete."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2017
Is Utah entering rebuilding?
For Utah fans, the news has to be considered a dagger in their hopes of competing next season. The Jazz had recently acquired Ricky Rubio and the franchise appeared to have some momentum even with George Hill going to Sacramento. However, the Jazz clearly has some work to do if they want to make themselves competitive for next season. That's certainly the picture that the betting odds are painting as the Jazz drifted from +10000 to +15000 with bet365 following the day of action on Tuesday. They are nothing but middle favorites for the 2018 NBA title now, behind a plethora of perceived stronger contenders.
