Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz speaks with Gordon Hayward during the game against the San Antonio Spurs. (Photo : Getty Images/NBAE)
The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat could be among the teams to pursue Gordon Hayward, with the small forward expected to explore free agency next summer.
Gordon Hayward could leave the Utah Jazz next summer, according to Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune. Jones claimed that Hayward, who has been linked to trade rumors this offseason, is expected to opt out of in the final year of his four-year $62.9 million contract with the Jazz.
"Hayward's pending free agency is well known. He's expected to opt out of the final year of his contract next summer and cash in for max dollars, whether it be with the Jazz, or with another team," Jones wrote.
It isn't surprising for Hayward to ponder such move, considering yet another rise in cap room next summer. And with Rudy Gobert and George Hill also hitting the market in 2017, the Jazz find themselves in a difficult situation of keeping Hayward.
Michael Saenz of Sir Charles In Charge, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, believes the Celtics and Heat are among the potential destinations for Hayward should he become an unrestricted free agent next year.
The Celtics have been long enamored to add another proven veteran to their lineup. Oliver Maroney of Basketball Insiders believes Hayward could be a natural pairing for the Celtics, reuniting him with his coach at Butler University, Brad Stevens.
Despite the addition of Al Horford, the Celtics still lack reliable scorers, especially at the small forward spot. Adding Hayward, who averaged 19.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last season, would give the Celtics not only an offensive weapon, but also versatility at the said position.
Meanwhile, another possible landing spot for Hayward is the Miami Heat, who seem desperate in looking for another proven star after Dwyane Wade left in free agency.
The Heat have promising backcourt talents in Tyler Johnson and Justise Winslow, and an elite two-way center in Hassan Whiteside. But with Wade's absence, and Chris Bosh's uncertainty to play at a high level, the Heat would be wise to pursue an All-Star caliber player like Hayward.
With the Jazz insisting it is "highly unlikely" they trade Hayward, they may reconsider dealing the 26-year-old wing this season instead of letting him walk away with nothing in return. However, the Celtics and Heat would probably be wise to wait for Hayward, knowing that he would opt out of his deal with the Jazz.
