With still a few months to go before the start of this year's free agency, speculations are already emerging on where Gordon Hayward might end up should the Utah Jazz fail to re-sign him to an extension come summertime.
The 27-year-old Butler product is expected to receive plenty of interest from around the league as he is considered one of the better small forwards today. However, there have been “whispers” that he might opt to bring his talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.
“[Pat] Riley has a home court advantage because Miami is a prime free agent destination. The weather, the zero state income tax and the chance to play for a top franchise are too good for a lot of players to turn down. There are already whispers that if Utah can’t re-sign Gordon Hayward he could end up in Miami.”
Now in his seventh year in the league, Hayward is having his best season so far with career-high averages of 21.8 points and 5.5 rebounds, to go along with 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game. He was also named an All-Star for the first time this year for the solid campaign he's having.
Should he ultimately decide to move to South Florida, he would join a talented core that features Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, and Dion Waiters (should he re-sign with Miami). The Heat may not have a legitimate star in their current lineup, but they have been making a lot of noise recently after a dismal 11-30 start to season. Since January 17, they have won 25 of their last 33 games and are now in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
Things could only be better for the franchise with the addition of Hayward, who will bolster their lineup and provide them with another talented player that can be a cornerstone for their future.
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