Gordon Hayward has finalized his schedule for free-agent meetings.
According to a source close to the situation, the Brownsburg, Indiana native will meet with the Heat in Miami on Saturday, the first day of free agency, and visit Boston on Sunday. He will then take a meeting with the Utah Jazz on Monday.
The source added that the order of the meetings was just the way it worked out logistically.
Hayward, who turned 27 years old in March, is an unrestricted free agent and in high demand after a career season. Named to the Western Conference All-Star team for the first time, Hayward averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He shot 47.1 percent from the floor and 84.4 percent from the line.
Hayward, drafted ninth overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, one spot in front of Paul George, has spent all seven seasons as a pro in Utah, helping them this year to their first playoff series win in eight seasons. He could sign for a maximum of five years in Utah, or for four years elsewhere.
The Pacers, his hometown team, were very interested and at one time a consideration. However, that changed as the team works to trade Paul George and build towards the future.
Winning is a serious priority for Hayward, according to a league source.
A National Championship loss didn’t define @GordonHayward. It changed him. #MakeDefeatYourFuel
(with @Gatorade) pic.twitter.com/yeG3UWTuSj
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) June 28, 2017
7th and 8th graders in Utah sent letters to Gordon Hayward urging him to remain with the Jazz. #Stayward pic.twitter.com/9pCs5KPilu
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 28, 2017
[Photo: Frank McGrath/PS&E]
[…] before George made it clear that he wanted out, the Pacers were showing interest in former Jazz swingman Gordon Hayward. Of course, Hayward grew up in Indiana and played college […]