Although all the noise surrounding Gordon Hayward‘s free agency lately has centered on him potentially joining the Celtics and reuniting with former college coach Brad Stevens, there remains a distinct possibility that he re-signs with his incumbent Jazz. After all, Utah can offer him more money and a longer contract.
Not to mention the fact that the Jazz have assembled an extremely talented young team that just ousted the Clippers in the first-round and helped hasten the end of the Lob City era in Los Angeles. Like everyone else, they just happened to run into the brick wall that was the Golden State Warriors.
According to a new report, the Jazz will get to make their pitch to Hayward on Monday.
Confirmed that Gordon Hayward will meet with the Utah Jazz on Monday, as @tribjazz first reported.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) June 28, 2017
They’re also getting some adorable assistance form of a local junior high class that’s been busy scribbling letters to Hayward begging him to stick around.
Still, the Jazz face stiff competition for his services from both the Celtics and the Miami Heat, who also covet the All-Star forward. Hayward is reportedly set to meet with both teams sometime after the free agency moratorium period begins on July 1.
Celtics won't have to recruit their main target on the road this year. According to source, Hayward plans to visit each candidate city.
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) June 28, 2017
The Celtics are still trying to put together a deal that would bring Paul George to Boston as well, which on paper would automatically make them a legitimate threat to the Cavs for the Eastern Conference crown.
But South Beach obviously has its own allure (that extends beyond the basketball court), and Pat Riley has been known to be a formidable force in these scenarios. And just last season, Coach of the Year candidate Erik Spoelstra led a reeling Heat squad to one of the best season turnarounds in league history.
The Jazz ostensibly have the advantage here, but they’ll need to make a pretty convincing pitch on Monday if they want to prevent Hayward from being lured away by the various and unique opportunities each of these prospective landing spots have to offer. However, for those hoping to hear some juicy Hayward signing news over the weekend, him not having a meeting with the Jazz until Monday — and him flying out to teams for meetings — hints at him taking his time before coming to a decision on where his career will continue.
