5 potential landing spots for Gordon Hayward

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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Apr 10, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra cheers on during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 124-121 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra cheers on during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 124-121 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

The fun scrappy team of the year. We all know Pat Riley likes to build his team with free agents and not through the draft. Miami first needs to resolve its own free agents in James Johnson and Dion Waiters. My guess is they re-sign Johnson and let Waiters walk. Then, they could use some of that money to chase Hayward.

Miami has an élite coach and a championship pedigree. A starting five of Goran Dragic, Rodney McGruder, Gordon Hayward, James Johnson and Hassan Whiteside would be pretty formidable in the East. With young guys like Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson and Willie Reed off the bench, the Heat would be deep and versatile.

Miami’s style would fit Hayward. The question, again, is if Hayward believes this group could actually challenge Cleveland.