NBA: 10 Bold Predictions For The 2017 Basketball Year

Dec 17, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35), forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Stephen Curry (30) high five after a play against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 135-90. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) is introduced prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Gordon Hayward signs in Boston

The 2017 NBA Free Agent class is loaded. However, and partly thanks to the new CBA, the likelihood of any of the big names – which include Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant – switching jerseys in small.

Of the next wave of names, there’s one free agent that will make the biggest splash this summer. Gordon Hayward.

Hayward nearly signed in Charlotte a few years ago when he hit restricted free agency. Utah matched the offer sheet. Now, Hayward will be able to choose where he plays, with no restricted tag.

Hayward will entertain a few teams this summer, but the lure of his former coach (Brad Stevens) and a Celtics team that is “one talent away” is going to be too good to pass up.

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