NBA Rumors: Gordon Hayward Expected To Choose Celtics Over Jazz, Heat

UPDATE (2:45 p.m. ET): The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported shortly after the news of Gordon Hayward choosing the Celtics that the forward’s agent said the decision isn’t final.

Gordon Hayward's agent, Mark Bartelstein, tells ESPN: "Gordon hasn't made a decision yet. We are still working through it."

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2017

However, some reporters speculated that the leak might have come before Hayward was able to talk to the Jazz.

My guess: Hayward picked the C's, word got out without the Jazz knowing, and they're trying to walk it back so he can tell the Jazz "first."

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) July 4, 2017

Celt source says no decision yet. Hard to believe so many trusted reporters wrong. Likely the process of informing teams was interrupted.

— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) July 4, 2017

Original story: It appears there’ll be some Fourth of July fireworks for the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

Free agent forward Gordon Hayward is expected to join the Celtics after considering going to the Miami Heat or staying put with the Utah Jazz. ESPN’s Chris Haynes reported the news, and Hayward is expected to make the announcement himself some time Tuesday.

Free-agent Gordon Hayward plans to sign with the Boston Celtics, league sources tell ESPN.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 4, 2017

Hayward to the Celtics means he’ll reunite with coach Brad Stevens, who ran the Butler team while Hayward played there. The 27-year-old averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game with a .471 field-goal percentage during the 2016-17 season.

Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Images