NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason targets for the Utah Jazz

Mar 31, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (left) and center Rudy Gobert (27) wait to enter the game during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the third quarter in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Gordon Hayward, SF, Utah Jazz

This is the biggest target for GM Dennis Lindsey and one that he has to find a way to keep in Salt Lake City. That franchise’s championship aspirations in the next few years rests in the hands of Hayward. Can they convince him they’re willing to spend the money and continue to put winning rosters in Utah?

That’s the biggest question mark, as Boston — and Brad Stevens — tries to poach Hayward away from the Jazz. The homegrown superstar was fantastic this year, scoring at least 20 points per game for the first time in his career. His assisting and rebounding numbers were also career highs. His shooting numbers were better than previous years and all of a sudden, Hayward was an All-Star and emerging force in the West.

In big moments in the playoffs, Hayward carried the Jazz on his shoulders. This is an important signing for the direction of the Jazz and they must convince him to stay. If he walks out of town, the chances of the Jazz making any noise in the Western Conference walk out with him. He’s just that important to the team and city.

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The Boston Celtics are major threats to landing his services due to the connection with head coach Brad Stevens. Gordon Hayward and Stevens were a coach-player tandem at Butler where they nearly won a National Championship.

Utah will need to sign some of its free agents, while also plugging in other holes in the team via free agency to convince Hayward. But none of the other stuff matters if Hayward jumps ship. Lindsey has one job come July 1 and that’s to keep Hayward in town — maybe even pull a CP3/Blake Griffin and lock Hayward up.

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