After being swept by the Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals, the Jazz enter the offseason with one major question: Will Gordon Hayward be in Utah next season and beyond? Speaking to the media at the Jazz’s end-of-season media press conference, the former first-round pick from 2010 had nothing but the highest of praises for the team, Ryan McDonald of Deseret News Sports writes.
“It’s been so much fun for me here in Utah and growing up here, starting a family, growing from a basketball standpoint, growing from just a man standpoint,” Hayward said. “I have nothing but love for everybody in Utah.”
At 27 years old, coming off a season in which he set career-highs in PPG (21.9) and RPG (4.7), and made his first All-Star team, the Butler University product will have no shortage of potential suitors. Teammates like budding star Rudy Gobert expressed kind sentiments, telling the media that he “don’t want to see him leave because he’s a big part of what we’ve been building.” Per Jody Genessy of the Deseret News, Jazz guard George Hill expressed the belief that Hayward’s “heart is here in Utah.”
From enduring a 25-win season in 2013 to eliminating the Clippers in the playoffs this season, Hayward was a major part of making Utah a contending team. However, the 6’8″, 225-pound forward says he hasn’t given much thought to his future.
Here is additional news surrounding the Jazz:
- Hill, who is a free agent himself this offseason, expressed his desire to remain in Utah. The 31-year-old averaged 16.9 PPG and 4.1 APG in 49 regular season contests for a Jazz team that went 51-31, good for fifth place in the West. Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune noted that Hill’s family will play a role in his free agency decision but the veteran feels the Jazz have “more than enough” to compete with the team’s current core (Twitter links).
- Boris Diaw, the seasoned veteran who provided a spark off the bench, is also uncertain about a return next season. The Jazz hold an option on the 35-year-old France native, who he indicated his desire to return next season, per Genessy (via Twitter). “I’d like to be back here, but I’d definitely understand any choice that they make,” he said.
- Joe Ingles, a restricted free agent this offseason, may have the upper-hand on his teammates in regards to a return. The Jazz can match any offer he receives — and both parties have a mutual interest in a reunion, Jones reports (via Twitter). Andy Larsen of Salt City Hoops quoted Ingles, who said all of Utah’s impending free agents want to return (via Twitter).
I think Ingles is going to be the odd man out. The Nets have thrown big money at just about every RFA and the Sixers are a perfect fit. Assuming the Jazz retain Hayward for the max and Hill for $20m a year they will have to go into the tax to keep Ingles.
Ingles credits Sixers coach, Brett Brown for even making it into the NBA thanks to their time together with the Australian National team which also connects Ingles to Ben Simmons. Add in that the Sixers can throw a 3 year $45m offer at him without sacrificing cap flexibility and that Brett Brown has expressed a desire to get 3 and D players to pair with Simmons and you have an ideal fit. I would be surprised if Ingles doesn’t sign an offer sheet from the Sixers this summer.
Ingles is going to get paid, definitely. You bring up great points. …. sorry to see him go, but i think they let Hayward walk and keep Ingles !!
Still dreaming of Hayward to Boston. Seeing Hayward with Brad again would be special. Actually it could work if they shift Crowder to the 4. Does it happen? Probably not. I think there’s actually no shot Hayward leaves Utah after the season they had.
Totally agree. Hayward remains with the Jazz for sure. He loves living in Utah.