NBA Rumors: Rival execs view Gordon Hayward as a $9 million player

Mar 8, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward (20) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers guard Elliot Williams (25) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Jazz defeated the Sixers 104-92. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Many teams are excited about the upcoming free agent class, as they should be.

Many players, including the Miami Heat’s big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, are expected to become free agents.

One of the less heralded players on the market is Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward. The Jazz and Hayward tried to get a deal done in the offseason, but could not come to an agreement.

After the two sides could not come to an agreement, Hayward is expected to get a large salary when he hits the market in the offseason and he will likely get a bigger deal than many executives around the league think he deserves, according to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report.

"“I wanted it to be done,” Hayward said. “It just didn’t work out.”Rival executives say that Hayward is probably worth about $9 million per year, but he is expected to seek a deal that averages at least $10 million to $12 million a year."

It is important to note that he is a restricted free agent so the Jazz will be able to match any offer sheet he signs.

This season, Hayward is averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Home/NBA