NBA Free Agency Rumors: Gordon Hayward opts out, set to be a free agent

Gordon Hayward has officially notified the Utah Jazz that he will exercise his player option for 2017-18, making him a free agent.

This was a decision that was merely a formality. The Utah Jazz had known for days that Gordon Hayward would become exercise his player option and become a free agent. That decision has now become official, as ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting that Hayward’s camp has notified the Jazz that he will indeed become a free agent.

The homegrown superstar looks to be checking out all of his options after having a career year with the Utah Jazz. The Jazz finished with 51 wins and got bounced out in the second round by the eventual champion Golden State Warriors.

Hayward averaged 21.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in Utah, while shooting 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. He was clutch in a lot of games for the Jazz, especially in the playoffs when it seemed like his mid-range jumper was the only thing keeping Utah alive.

Boston and Miami will pose serious threats to Utah’s chances of keeping Hayward, especially with Brad Steven’s connection to Hayward and Pat Riley’s closer mentality. Ultimately for Hayward it will come down to three things. Boston will likely offer him the best chance of winning, Utah will give him the most money and Miami will give him the lifestyle.

Next: NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 potential destinations for Gordon Hayward

What does Hayward truly want? Nobody really knows, but if you believe his wife and their choice of clothing for their daughter, the Hayward family might be bound for Boston. Marc Stein did go on to add that Boston is ramping up its pursuit of Hayward, as they feel like it can get them on a level with Cleveland.

Utah will have to step up its game in the coming days to keep Hayward in Salt Lake City, otherwise he might be headed for Bean-town.