Don’t go preordering your Gordon Hayward jerseys just yet, Boston Celtics fans.
There’s widespread belief among fans and media that the Jazz forward could leave Utah as a free agent this summer and join his former college coach, Brad Stevens, with the up-and-coming Celtics.
However, it appears the Celtics will have some serious competition for Hayward’s services. In addition to potentially duking it out with Utah, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported Friday the Jazz are worrying about the Miami Heat just as much as they are the Celtics.
The Vertical’s Chris Mannix said last month he believes the Celtics will make Hayward their top target this summer. But it’s unlikely they’re alone in that pursuit, as Utah obviously would love to retain the Butler product, and Miami apparently is in the hunt. It wouldn’t be surprising to see more teams added to that list, as Hayward is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 21.9 points per game.
Thumbnail photo via Russ Isabella/USA TODAY Sports Images
