NBA Schedule 2017-18: When does Gordon Hayward play the Jazz?

Gordon Hayward was one of the biggest names to change teams this summer. With the NBA schedule released, when will Hayward face-off against his old team, the Utah Jazz, for the first time?

The Boston Celtics’ prized offseason acquisition, forward Gordon Hayward, will face his old team, the Utah Jazz, twice during the 2016-17 regular season. First, Hayward and the Celtics host the Jazz on Friday, Dec. 15. Although the game will feature the intrigue of Hayward playing against many of his former teammates and coaches, the Vivint Smart Home Arena crowd won’t get a chance to welcome Hayward back to Salt Lake City until March 28. The Wednesday night game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Hayward, who earned his first All-Star appearance last season, was courted by many teams this offseason, ultimately deciding among the Jazz, Celtics and Miami Heat. Upon choosing Boston as his next destination, the 27-year-old Butler product penned a letter on The Players’ Tribune explaining his decision to the Jazz fanbase. In it, he claimed his free agency featured the “toughest decision” he’s made in his entire life. By joining the Celtics, Hayward reunites with his college coach, Brad Stevens. He also becomes a part of a Celtics squad that finished an Eastern Conference-best 53-29 and was eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Cavaliers in five games.

Next: 30 best NBA social media accounts to follow

Last year’s Jazz upset the Los Angeles Clippers in a memorable, seven-game series before being swept by the mighty Warriors in the second round of the playoffs. The Jazz have improved their record three consecutive seasons under Quin Snyder, most recently recording the league’s third-best defensive rating (102.7 points allowed per 100 possessions) last season. Anchored by tenacious 7-foot-1 center Rudy Gobert, the Jazz’s defense figures to continue to impress. With the departure of Hayward, however, Utah’s offensive output heads into the season with a giant question mark around it.