NBA Rumors: 5 replacements for Kevin Love in Cleveland

3 of 6

Feb 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 111-93. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Utah Jazz. Gordon Hayward. 4. player. 118. . Small Forward

Would Gordon Hayward leave his situation with the Utah Jazz as the team’s best player to be the third piece in the Cleveland puzzle? If that involves winning an NBA Championship, then absolutely.

Hayward has great scoring instincts and the necessary mental toughness to hang with the best players in the NBA. It hasn’t been his fault that his young Jazz teammates aren’t quite ready to make some noise in the Western Conference Playoffs.

He’s very coachable from his days starring for the Butler Bulldogs under Brad Stevens. Hayward continues to grow into a veteran leader for Jazz head coach Quin Snyder. In the East, Hayward might even be an All-Star caliber player, especially playing with the Cavaliers.

Hayward still has the upside to become a top 25 player in the league, but would his play elevate with the Cavaliers in a different role? The Cavaliers would have to work out spacing in their backcourt, as he and James might have to fight over the three.

Given that Hayward is swifter on his feet than Love, but still has the ability to hold his own on the glass, he would be a third key player in Cleveland’s new big three to highly consider.

Next: 3. DeMarre Carroll.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers