As Gordon Hayward prepares to hit NBA Free Agency, we explore why it’s probably best for him to stay put in Utah
Gordon Hayward is seen as the current centerpiece along with Rudy Gobert for the Utah Jazz. Even with the Warriors impending dynasty blocking most Western Conference teams’ title hopes, the Jazz want to win.
Who can knock it? The concept is simple for the Jazz. Bring back Hayward at all costs. The problem is, they might not be able to lure him away from Boston and his former coach Brad Stevens.
Gordon is going to get paid either way, even though he did not make an All-NBA team. The money is in both Boston and Utah. If Hayward opts out and is signed to a five (with a player option after year 4) year max in Utah, he will be making $180M over the those five years. Not bad, not bad.
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Boston comes in just behind at $133M over four years, so, as you can see, the big difference is the fifth year. The thing is, is the fifth year of money worth it to Gordon Hayward? Do the Jazz have a better title shot than Boston?
Genuinely, most people are looking at this face value which is that neither Boston or the Jazz are even making the finals for the next 3-4 years, especially Utah. The Celtics though, on the other hand, they have more to work with immediately. He will be on a flat out better team right now, and Eastern Conference Finalist at that.
The Celtics also have assets to make other moves, which include a myriad of future first-round picks and Jayson Tatum.
Boston also has another card in their deck. Brad Steven recruited and coached Hayward at Butler, so there’s at least some sort of relationship between the two – it’s more than likely a strong one, too.
With all that said, with how much of a better option Boston is currently than Utah, let me explain why the best option for Gordon is to stay put.
Why Gordon Hayward Should Stay
Gordon Hayward is currently 27. Even with the young Celtics core, with the potential of multiple top 5 picks in the next couple of drafts, Boston likely isn’t dethroning LeBron and the Cavs until 2019.
In 2020, Hayward is going to be 30 years old, and eligible to opt for the deal he signed with the Jazz to pursue another deal. 30 years old is still in the middle of his prime years, so that isn’t the issue.
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By 2020, Hayward will know exactly how good these young stars from Boston will be and LeBron will be less of a factor. The path of signing a five-year deal with a player option than going to Boston gives him the best chance to make the most money and the best shot at a title. The best of both worlds.