Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA Rumors: Miami Heat are real threat to sign Gordon Hayward

By Michael Saenz

Nov 25, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince (12) defends during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince (12) defends during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

NBA Rumors: The Utah Jazz are reportedly just as worried about the Miami Heat signing Gordon Hayward this summer as they are the Boston Celtics

The natural move for Gordon Hayward this summer, as he hits unrestricted free agency, should he not decide to re-sign with the Utah Jazz, has always been inking with the Boston Celtics. Brad Stevens, his college coach, is building something special in the Northeast and Hayward could be one of the final pieces.

However, there’s another team out there that is worrying the Utah Jazz this summer. That is the Miami Heat.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Utah Jazz are worried by the thought of the Miami Heat luring Hayward away from them as much as they are of Boston doing so.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

"[via ESPN]Free Agency Scuttle: Volume is rising on the whispers that the team worrying Utah in Gordon Hayward’s free agency is Miami as much as Boston"

As is the case this time of year, these types of “whispers” or “reports” should be taken with a grain of salt. While it does make sense that Hayward could be attracted to Miami, since the Heat do have the cap space to make such a move and some nice building blocks (with Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, others), it should be reminded that the favorite to land Hayward is still the Jazz.

They can offer him the most money – even though he can’t be offered the super max – and have the most familiarity with him.

Must Read: Five Most Underrated Free Agents Heading Into The Summer

With that said, if Riley can get Hayward in a room alone, are we really going to doubt that he’s not going to leave a lasting effect on him? He will. Thing is, we don’t really know what Hayward will be looking for this summer. Does he want to join a contender? Does he want familiarity? Does he want to live on the Beach? We don’t know. Yet.

Home/Miami Heat