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NBA Free Agency: Gordon Hayward signs with Boston Celtics

By Michael Saenz

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 6: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 6: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /
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In perhaps the biggest NBA Free Agency decision thus far, Gordon Hayward has decided to spurn the Utah Jazz and sign with the Boston Celtics

After taking meetings with the Miami Heat and his incumbent Utah Jazz, Gordon Hayward ultimately decided that it would be in his best interest to sign with the Boston Celtics.

Hayward officially made his decision Tuesday evening on the Players’ Tribune, though it was leaked earlier via ESPN’s Chris Haynes.

Despite the draw of returning to the place where he made his name in the NBA and the bright lights of Miami, Hayward decide to ink with the team in the East that simply has a better chance to reach the NBA’s main stage sooner. Oh, and to play with his former coach, Brad Stevens.

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After beating the LA Clippers in seven games in the first round of the playoffs, Utah ran into the buzzsaw that was the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the playoffs. And that buzzsaw is only getting started. A move to the Eastern Conference always seemed like the most logical decision, basketball-wise.

Hayward will join Isaiah Thomas, Al Horford and a number of other young pieces in Boston. And if the team or Hayward wanted, they also have the necessary assets to flip for another star – if one ever gets back on the trade block.

With the Celtics, Hayward’s only big immediate threat will likely be LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, with all the rumblings, LeBron could be on his way out of Cleveland. And if reports are accurate, he’s likely headed to Los Angeles – another Western Conference team(s).

That means it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to see the Celtics in the NBA Finals sooner rather than later. And Hayward knows this. Which I’m sure played a factor in his decision.

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As for the Utah Jazz and Miami Heat, who both lost big in their pursuit of Hayward, they look to scramble back into the free agency pool in order to fill out their roster.

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