Gordon Hayward
I’ve already touched on Gordon Hayward’s free agency in some detail, discussing his meetings with the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics yesterday then pointing out this morning that his decision could be announced even sooner than anticipated.
There really isn’t much more to be said other than whatever Hayward decides will have major implications on the Utah Jazz. If he stays in Utah, the Jazz will have a chance of outmatching even the incredibly fortified Northwest Division which features more overall star power than perhaps any other division in the league. If he leaves, the Jazz may find themselves fighting tooth and nail just to make the playoffs.
His decision will almost certainly come down to Boston, Miami and Utah, and while all have their cases, ideally the team that drafted him will be able to convince him to stay put.
Next: Report: Gordon Hayward decision could come on night of Utah Jazz meeting
A couple other notable free agents related to the Jazz include Jeff Withey and Deron Williams, however, few reports have surfaced indicating where either will be headed. Williams has essentially already been replaced on his former Cavaliers team by Jose Calderon whereas Withey may have to battle just to make a team’s final roster.
Gordon Hayward is one of the most appealing free agents remaining and his decision could very well create a domino effect across the league that causes teams to be more apt to make moves and allow role players such as Williams and Withey to find homes as well.