The J-Notes
Fansided

Three Eastern Conference rumors that could affect Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz

By Jared Woodcox

Mar 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Utah 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Utah 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Rumor #3: Jimmy Butler content in Chicago and will not be traded

Along with Paul George, Jimmy Butler was another name that was brought up several times at the NBA trade deadline and has been a subject of continued speculation from there. Although Butler is Chicago’s best player and is on a friendly contract with two years remaining, there were indications that the Bulls could indeed be looking to move him.

However, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Butler had a positive season-ending meeting with Bulls management in which he indicated that he would like to stay in Chicago assuming that they can help him turn the team into a contender. Likewise, Bulls management suggested that they were dedicated to keeping Butler as well.

Of course, these feelings could definitely change as it was well documented that the Celtics and Bulls were indeed in trade talks surrounding Butler at the trade deadline this season, but for now this rumor seems to indicate that Jimmy will be staying put in Chicago.

If that’s the case, it could spell bad news for Utah as Butler could have been a contingency plan for the Celtics, but if Butler is officially off the market and a trade for PG isn’t worked out, then Boston would likely focus their efforts 100 percent on netting Hayward. They could very well do that anyway, but with no backup plans in the likes of Butler or George, then Hayward will likely be facing a desperate and determined Celtics organization and that could be hard to turn down.

Furthermore, although I realize that the Jazz would have to essentially move heaven and earth to make it happen, making a run at a guy like Jimmy Butler themselves would be a clear signal to Hayward that they are determined to put elite talent around him and win a championship. If the Bulls are refusing to make Butler available, though, then that option would be officially closed.

True, I’m not sure what Utah would be able to entice Chicago with that would be more valuable than Boston’s number one overall draft pick, but the fact remains that if the Bulls decide to adamantly hold onto Butler, then that’s simply one less available chance for the Jazz to convince Hayward to stay than what they had previously.

More from The J-Notes

If one thing is clear from all of these rumors, it’s that Gordon Hayward’s destiny is anything but certain. He’ll have plenty of options to weigh, as will the Utah Jazz and all the other teams vying for the All-Star’s services.

As we get closer to the NBA draft and the start of free agency, I imagine that more and more dominoes will begin to fall until Gordon Hayward’s 2017-18 free agency destination becomes solidified. Hopefully those dominoes will fall in a way that’s favorable to the Utah Jazz.

Home/Jazz News