The Miami Heat have surfaced as the latest suitors for Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, who is expected to opt out of his contract and seek a long-term deal.
With a solid core within the starting lineup and plenty of cap space with $89.8 million in the books for next season, the Heat is reportedly worrying the Jazz as another contender to secure the services of their prized All-Star wing, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Hayward has had the best Jazz squad to date with this year's version, but their best efforts during the playoffs were futile, running into the buzzsaw the Golden State Warriors have been this postseason. This could be another reason why Hayward has been linked to teams in the Eastern Conference, as most players would prefer to avoid a few title contenders in the West when they can have an easier time in the East.
The Boston Celtics have been heavily favored as the No. 1 team that can lure the 6-foot-8 forward away from the Jazz, but as Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders pointed out long ago, the sense is a 60/40 probability that he will stay with the team.
Hayward has had the best offensive season of his career, averaging 21.9 points per game on 47.1 percent shooting from the field, 39.8 percent from deep, and a steady 84.4 percent from the stripe. He was also named an All-Star for the first time this season.
Due to him not making any of the three All-NBA teams, the Jazz can only offer Hayward a five-year deal for 30 percent of the cap, roughly around $179 million, while any other suitor, like the Heat or the Celtics, can only dole out $132 million over four years.
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