The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz alums: Gordon Hayward on the verge of shoe deal?

By Ryan Aston

BOSTON, MA - MAY 13: Kyrie Irving #11 Gordon Hayward #20 and Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics look on during Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 13, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 13: Kyrie Irving #11 Gordon Hayward #20 and Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics look on during Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 13, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Former Utah Jazz star Gordon Hayward is reportedly receiving interest from multiple major sportswear companies on potential shoe deals.

It’s been 10 months since former Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward graced the NBA hardwood, but the Boston Celtics star is still making major waves in the hoops world.

Most recently, he’s been at the center of a bidding war between four major shoe companies looking for the former All-Star to sport their kicks.

According to ESPN’s Nick DePaula, Nike, New Balance and the Chinese sporstwear company Anta are among those showing strong interest in Hayward. The latter reportedly made their pitch the former Jazzman in San Diego on Monday.

If he were to go with Anta, he’d be following in the footsteps of Boston legend Kevin Garnett, who became the first superstar baller to get a signature shoe with the company in 2010. The Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson inked a 10-year deal worth up to $80 million with Anta last summer.

As a Boston-based outfit, New Balance would make a lot of sense for Hayward. They also sponsored the team’s new training facility.

Meanwhile, Hayward has worn Nike shoes on the court throughout his NBA career.

My take: Say what you will about Hayward’s exit last summer and laid-back ways, he still spent seven years in Utah and I think a lot of Jazz fans are hoping for the best for him. A new shoe deal would be a big deal for the 28-year-old. Whichever company he goes with, though, Hayward fans can rest easy knowing that Daddy’s always happy.

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Speaking of shoes, Hayward’s successor atop the Jazz throne will be making a change for the upcoming season. After wearing Dame 4s during his standout rookie campaign, Donovan Mitchell will switch to some different Adidas shoes for 2018-19.

Adidas announced its new Pro Bounce and Mad Bounce kicks on Tuesday; Mitchell will wear both shoes during his second year in Utah. The Pro Bounce and Pro Bounce Low will be released publicly on September 1, while the Mad Bounce is set to drop on October 1.

My take: Mitchell won’t be just one of the crowd in whatever shoe Adidas is looking to push for long. It’s only a matter of time before he has his own signature shoe.

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