Heat put up Gordon Hayward banner ahead of free agent meeting

Oh, and I’m hoping we get a sneak peek at Miami’s pitch to Hayward on Whiteside’s Snapchat. The concept is simple for the Jazz. For months, the Celtics have been linked to Hayward, with players even making subtle recruiting pitches online for him the join the team. If they strike out in trying to land Hayward, they are expected to go after Griffin. If both Guerschon Yabusele and Ante Zizic come over, there is no way for Boston to pry open Hayward-sized space – about $29.7 million – without dealing a Smart-sized salary. Because of his experience level and the aspects of the salary cap, Hayward may not look to sign a five-year contract in Utah and might prefer a three-year deal so he can re-enter the market in time to maximize his earnings long term. Not bad, not bad. But after meeting with front office officials and several teammates Friday night, the five-time All-Star agreed to a five-year, 2 million max contract to stay put in Los Angeles. As a man who appreciates good Jazz basketball - and loves the direction of our young, talented team - this can not stand.

Tanner Ainge told the Deseret News he had “no idea” if voters would hold it against him if Hayward bolts to Boston, saying, “Gordon is going to make the decision”. This is not to say that the Celtics won’t be a good team next season but it’s just that they might not meet their “on-paper” value unless two of them change their games to compliment rather than abate the others. All of the best suitors for his services next summer are out west, so there’s a chance that the Celtics make a similar run of consecutive finals appearances with Hayward in the fold.

The Celtics also announced that the team signed 2017 first round draft pick Jayson Tatum and 2016 first round draft pick Ante Zizic to contracts.

Boston also has another card in their deck. But one can’t be too certain of that.

With all that said, with how much of a better option Boston is now than Utah, let me explain why the best option for Gordon is to stay put.

Gordon Hayward is officially a free agent. “They brought me here for a reason and I know they’re going after Hayward for a reason and I think his statistics and his numbers that he [produces], he fits in the best here”.

The 31-year-old floor general fresh off of a career year could be looking to pick up his last big paycheck. In the eyes of many teams, he’s contractually more available than Paul George is, so now that the flag has dropped, expect to see some quick movement for Hayward. He’s proven to be effective both with and without the ball, has leadership experience under Gregg Popovich and the Spurs, and developed good chemistry in his first season in Utah.