Subscribe
Follow Us
Since Gordon Hayward announced his decision that he will play for the Boston Celtics, the team has been finding ways to clear cap room for his signing. The Utah Jazz were reportedly open to making a sign-and-trade for his services in order to help the move push through, and also get some players or assets in return However, nothing has been completed yet, and it appears that it won’t come to fruition.
According to Jody Genessy of the Deseret News, a sign-and trade is unlikely to happen before Hayward signs with the C’s. It would add further insult to injury for the Jazz, as they will lose their former franchise player for nothing, and they now have a gaping hole at the small forward spot.
Article Continues Below“Barring an unexpected breakthrough in the next few days, no deal between the two teams will happen.”
“That means instead of salvaging something from Hayward choosing to see if the grass is greener on the other side of the country, the Jazz will come away from this demoralizing experience with nothing but an open roster spot.”
Hayward’s representative, Mark Barstelstein, spoke about the development and said they are willing to help the Jazz, but are leaving it up to both teams to agree on a deal that makes sense to them first.
“It’s not an issue at all,” said Mark Bartelstein, Hayward's rep, reiterating a point he's made multiple times this past week. “If we can help the Jazz, we’re happy to do that. We have always been more than happy to do it; it’s just whether or not Boston and Utah can do something that makes sense.”
It remains to be seen if both parties can strike a deal, and complete a sign-and-trade with Hayward agreeing to it, but as it stands, it’s looking like the Jazz will not be able to salvage anything for the 27-year-old’s services, and may need to plan ahead and get a free agent to fill the void he left.
