Gordon Hayward impressed by Hornets, Michael Jordan
By Mike Dyce
The Charlotte Hornets submitted an offer sheet for Gordon Hayward to the tune of $63 million over four years to the Utah Jazz. On Saturday, the Jazz announced that they had matched the offer, bringing Hayward back to the Jazz.
Even though Hayward won’t be playing with the Hornets, the franchise left a big impression on him apparently.
League sources confirm Jazz have informed Charlotte they will match Gordon Hayward's offer sheet. Hornets now in mix for other free agents.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) July 12, 2014
Hayward's agent, Mark Bartelstein, says Michael Jordan, Rich Cho and Steve Clifford "made a tremendous impression on Gordon."
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) July 12, 2014
Hayward came away from Charlotte meetings impressed with team's commitment to building a championship team with Jordan very involved.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) July 12, 2014
Bartelstein said it "makes a great statement" that Jazz value Hayward enough to match. "He'll play his heart out for them as he always has."
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) July 12, 2014
That speaks volumes for the direction of the franchise and their ability to bring in stars to a franchise that has been known for struggling. If Michael Jordan could charm Hayward, he could certainly charm another free agent and now that the Jazz have matched Hayward’s offer the Hornets are players again in the free agent market.