The Utah Jazz matched the Charlotte Hornets’ four-year, $63 million offer for restricted free agent Gordon Hayward.
Hayward’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed Utah’s move Saturday. It was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
“I think it’s certainly a gigantic statement of how the Jazz value Gordon,” Bartelstein said.
The Jazz had until late Sunday to match the Hornets’ offer for the 6-foot-8 small forward. The team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Hayward averaged career highs of 16.2 points, 5.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals last season while leading the Jazz in scoring and minutes. He had seven games with double-digit rebounds and six with double-digit assists. He scored more than 20 points in 22 games.
The Jazz extended a qualifying offer to Hayward on June 26, making him a restricted free agent. Hayward also saw interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers before Charlotte’s offer came Thursday.
Photo via Russell Isabella/USA Today Sports Images
