Zach Lowe dropped this nugget in his latest column:
There is probably more buzz surrounding Hayward’s impending free agency than about Paul, Griffin, Kyle Lowry and other starrier names. Hayward is 26, in the meat of his prime, killing it at the thinnest position in the league. Utah waited for Charlotte to max him out last time around, and Hayward has a long memory. The Jazz have a ton of guys to pay, and if they down enough beers (just kidding, it’s Utah!), they might convince themselves they have the wing depth to withstand Hayward bolting. His beloved college coach runs a rising team with an easy roadmap to max cap space — and real interest in Hayward, per several league sources.
But if Utah makes a leap, the smart money is on Hayward sticking. The Jazz can offer a winning young core, an extra fifth season, and if the new CBA breaks right for them, a little more cash than home teams can dangle under the current deal.
Is Gordon Hayward (and his hair) the franchise cornerstone we’ve been waiting for? The media/analytics guys love his game but I’m not feeling it.
Utah is a trendy pick to make some noise in the Western conference this year. If Hayward leads the way and proves he’s capable of carrying a team then maybe I’ll come around.
Maybe.
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