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Gordon Hayward rumors: Dallas Mavericks not expected to be a player

By Andrew Melnick

Feb 7, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks small forward Jae Crowder (9) guards Utah Jazz shooting guard Gordon Hayward (20) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Jazz 103-81. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks small forward Jae Crowder (9) guards Utah Jazz shooting guard Gordon Hayward (20) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Jazz 103-81. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks have made it clear they want to bring a talented wing player into the fold this offseason. With New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony seemingly out of the picture, that leaves Washington Wizards’ swingman Trevor Ariza and Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward Luol Deng, who are unrestricted free agents and Houston Rockets’ forward Chandler Parsons and Utah Jazz swingman Gordon Hayward, who are both restricted free agents.

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Tim McMahon of ESPN Dallas doesn’t expect the Mavericks to be a real player for Hayward.

"Hayward, who is reportedly meeting with the Charlotte Bobcats and has had extensive talks with the Cavs, is asking for more a deal that starts in the $12-14 million range. The Mavs aren’t likely to get in the bidding for Hayward at that price."

Hayward, who the Cleveland Cavaliers could still potentially offer a large deal to depending on what Miami Heat forward LeBron James decides to do, is also set to visit with the Charlotte Hornets this week. The Phoenix Suns are also expected to be in the mix for Hayward, but they of course have their own free agents to worry about in restricted free agents, guard Eric Bledsoe and swingman P.J. Tucker. Of course, after losing big man Channing Frye (he agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal with the Orlando Magic on Monday), they may more inclined to dish out money to Hayward. The Boston Celtics, who are coached by Hayward’s college head coach at Butler, Brad Stevens, also could make an offer.

Last season, Hayward averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game for the Jazz last season. He shot 41.3% from the field and 30.4% from beyond the arc.

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