Fansided

Biggest impacts of NBA stars changing teams this offseason

By Joe Romano

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 3: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball against Isaiah Thomas #4 and Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics during the game on January 3, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 3: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball against Isaiah Thomas #4 and Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics during the game on January 3, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 29: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics on February 29, 2016 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

New Team — Boston Celtics

Old Team — Utah Jazz

How did he get here? Signed as a free agent for four-years and $128 million.

What does he enter? Hayward signed with hopes of becoming a partner in crime to Isiah Thomas, but the trade for Kyrie Irving simply changed his running mate. Irving and Hayward join incumbent Celtic star Al Horford as Boston’s newest “big 3”. The three players all have shown strength in scoring the ball and making plays for others. Hayward comes to Boston as their best scoring wing and gives them a puncher’s chance at matching up with LeBron James.

The All-Star forward fits perfect in Brad Stevens’ ball movement system. He is familiar with it from the time the two spent together at Butler.  The Celtics will look to make another run at the top of the Eastern Conference. A return trip to the Eastern Conference finals against likely adversaries LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers is certainly in the cards.

What is he leaving behind? Hayward leaves the Western Conference and the Utah Jazz behind. He was the face of basketball there and progressed every season in the league. The Jazz and Hayward were consistently ranked as underrated, before peaking last season at 51 wins and a fifth seed in the conference.

Utah still projects to be a good team behind their stalwart defense that has set them apart from other Western Conference teams. The Jazz are anchored by up and coming center Rudy Gobert. They also brought in Ricky Rubio to continue with their defensive plans. Rubio and Gobert are two of the best defenders at their respective positions.

The Jazz chose to lock-up wing Joe Ingles this off-season to a multi-year deal. The 3-and-D wing fits perfect next to Rubio and Gobert. Joe Johnson, last year’s offseason addition, will continue to close out games and provide scoring off the bench.

A bulk of Hayward’s offensive load will fall on young wings Alec Burks and Rodney Hood. The latter has shown prowess as a playmaker and 3-point shooter. Burks is on the back end of a four-year deal he signed in 2014. He has also missed significant time the past three seasons with injuries. Some project Hood to take a leap this season with Hayward gone and being the best offensive weapon on the perimeter.

Finally, some are calling Donovan Mitchell, the team’s first round pick, the steal of the draft. He set summer league on fire with his play and should see plenty of actions thanks to his defensive prowess and length.

Mitchell, Rubio and former first round pick Dante Exum give the Jazz a trio of defensive minded point guards to run Quin Snyder’s offense. While Gobert and incumbent Derrick Favors provide back-end defensive prowess and rim-running. Hayward’s absence will no doubt be felt in Utah.

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