Utah’s Gordon Hayward is once again linked to the Celtics:
And Hayward, who earned $11 million in his first four NBA seasons, is about to get a huge pay raise.
The 6-foot-8 restricted free agent is expected to receive a significant contract offer, possibly upwards to a max deal, from the Phoenix Suns this coming week, according to sources.
Boston and Charlotte are two other teams whom the Jazz anticipate could throw large offers at Hayward.
However, the Jazz plan on matching any offers for Hayward and intend to keep the versatile wing player in the organization as a major cornerstone in this rebuilding era, according to sources.
Utah extended a qualifying offer to Hayward last week, giving the team the right to match any offer sheets that he might receive.
Aside from Gordon Hayward, his girlfriend, his parents and agent, I can’t think of anyone who believes this kid is worth a max contract. A max offer from Utah is 5 years, $85 million. Other teams can offer up to $62 million over four years.
Maybe he gets Larry Sanders (4 years, $44 million) or Derrick Favors (4 years, $49 million) money. I’m thinking a deal worth $8-$10 million annually is a fair price.
He possesses a well-rounded game; 16 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.1 apg, 16 PER last season. But his shooting percentages were not pretty: 41% and 31% 3 FG.
Rumors linking Hayward to Boston are not new. Back in February, Sherrod Blakely reported the Celtics had interest but not enough interest to send a 1st round pick in any deal. And of course, Brad Stevens coached him at Butler.
In other news, the Celtics formally offered Avery Bradley a $3.6 million qualifying offer today. Like Hayward, AB is a restricted FA and the Celtics can match any offer.
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