Gordon Hayward’s decision could hinge on Jazz keeping George Hill

The financial advantage of being the incumbent team in free agency may not be the only thing keeping the Utah Jazz in the driver’s seat for Gordon Hayward.

Jody Genessy of the Deseret News reported on Friday morning that Hayward “really wants” the team to keep point guard George Hill. The team’s ability to do so could be the difference for Hayward’s decision.

Hayward, who was the Jazz’s top scorer during the season, is one of 2017’s top free agents. Miami and Boston are reportedly the strongest contenders to steal the superstar away from Utah, where he has played the first seven seasons of his career.

The Celtics’ offer features a 53-win roster and Hayward’s college coach, Brad Stevens. The Heat prove each summer in free agency that the combination of their championship legacy and gorgeous home in the South Atlantic are enough to get in the door with star players. Other teams are surely interested.

For the Jazz, the situation comes down to dollars. They possess the Bird Rights for both Hayward and Hill, meaning they can exceed the salary cap to pay them all the way up to their maximum salary. The problem for Utah is that in a small market, that is a hefty price to pay for a team that lost in the second round this year.

Hill may prefer to test the market after one season in Utah. Recall that he did not choose this team; he came last summer from Indiana in a trade. Hill began in his career in San Antonio, and the Spurs linger as a team who could spend at point guard. Perhaps he prefers the familiarity and winning culture in San Antonio over the longer road in Utah.

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It still seems that if Utah is willing to shell out a max contract for Hayward and pay Hill what he wants (probably close to the max as well), both players will return.