Gordon Hayward – Are the Utah Jazz heading for a reunion?

Would Gordon Hayward really return to the Utah Jazz?

The answer: Yes. He played here for 7 years, and the issues that led to his departure are even farther back, in 2014 during his restricted free agency. This all occurred under different Utah Jazz ownership and management than exists now. The issues he had were over value and money, and those are non-existent in his current situation.

The current Jazz CEO of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge acquired Hayward in Boston in 2017, and would likely be able to overcome any objections that he would have about a return, and how that would be received by Jazz fans.

Hayward’s fit on this team would be much better than the ball-stopping and the turnovers we have seen from Sexton and THT thus far.

One downside to this rumored deal could be that the backup forward minutes are going to Gordon Hayward and not to rookie Taylor Hendricks. If the Jazz want to push for the play-in then that’s going to be a necessary trade-off for this year. If they want to embrace the tank, that’s an entirely different discussion altogether.

Getting Keyonte George in the best position to succeed, AND getting this team out of their early season rut should be the priority in November. Tanking, if warranted, should emerge in the new year at the earliest.

Keeping in mind that having Hayward for the remainder of the 2023-24 season is all we are talking about here. His contract is up this summer. If he gels with the team and the fans embrace him as the prodigal son returned, then Danny Ainge can work on wooing him back on a reduced salary.

If Hayward gets hurt, or just doesn’t pan out with the current Jazz team for whatever reason, both sides have the option to walk away this summer.

It’s the definition of a low-risk, mid-reward move, with possible upside if the Jazz are able to course correct and reach the play-in or playoffs. It’s definitely a move to consider, should Hayward be made available for a trade.