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5 potential landing spots for Gordon Hayward

By Evan Dyal

May 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the third quarter in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the third quarter in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) tries to stop Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) from gettting to the basket during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) tries to stop Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) from gettting to the basket during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Rockets

I know, woah. This would be crazy. Houston is coming off a historic offensive season, that landed to an abrupt halt with a smack down at home to the Spurs. Despite the brutal ending, Houston is still a legit contender. With Tony Parker and Manu possibly retiring, Houston could be the second best team in the West.

This would be a huge style adjustment, as Hayward would be going from slow-paced Utah, to blistering pace in Houston. That being said Hayward and coach Mike D’Antoni are smart guys. They can make it work. Hayward can spot up off Harden pick and rolls.

More importantly Hayward gives the Rockets a secondary playmaker, a problem that was magnified in the playoffs. Houston was also just an average defensive team, and Hayward has long been an underrated defender.

Hayward can slide into the 3 spot, and move Trevor Ariza to the bench to give Houston more depth. The real problem is Houston’s lack of cap space. Houston needs to get creative in trades, and may have to let players like Nene go, to make this work.

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