NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 potential destinations for Gordon Hayward
By John Buhler
Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward will be one of the most coveted unrestricted free agents this summer. Here are five landing spots for Utah’s swingman.
Perhaps no free agent this summer will be talked about more than Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward. In his seventh year with the Jazz, Hayward became an All-Star swingman for a division winner in Utah. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game for the Jazz.
Hayward has a player option for 2017-18 worth $16.7 million, but will wisely opt out of the final year of his Jazz deal to become an unrestricted free agent. Not only does Hayward play a premium position of small forward in the NBA, but is honestly one of the few players that can go to a decent team and make them a title contender.
There is a decent chance that Hayward stays with the Jazz. Utah has a solid core in place under head coach Quin Snyder. General manager Dennis Lindsey has prioritized winning the right way since taking over a few years back. Utah should be a 50-win team again next year and no team can offer Hayward more than the Jazz.
That being said, Hayward is primed to be wooed by at least four other teams this summer about leaving Salt Lake City. Here are the five best landing spots for Hayward this summer.
Indiana Pacers
East, Central
With the Indiana Pacers facing the harsh reality that they will end up losing star small forward Paul George in free agency next year, Indiana could be compelled to trade George at some point this offseason. If the return package doesn’t include a swingman, might it be a good idea for Hayward to come home to Indianapolis?
Hayward is a native of Indiana and played his college ball in nearby Butler. He was the star player that lead the Bulldogs to their first national championship game under then head coach Brad Stevens. In all honesty, there may not be a place that would roll out the red carpet for Hayward in free agency quite like the Pacers, if they feel that they can land him.
Moving to the Eastern Conference does wonders for Hayward’s brand and championship aspirations. Yes, he will play in the same division as LeBron James, but it would be an easier time for Hayward to make more All-Star Games and advance further in the NBA Playoffs if he plays for an Eastern Conference franchise.
Hayward would be the big star in Indianapolis for the Pacers. He plays a premium position out on the wing and the new Pacers front office regime led by general manager Kevin Pritchard could build a winner around Hayward as their star player. However, Indiana only feels like a tertiary landing spot for Hayward this summer at best.