The Charlotte Hornets agreed to terms with Utah Jazz restricted free agent Gordon Hayward on a four-year, $63 million maximum offer sheet, and Hayward is expected to sign the deal early Thursday, which would give Utah exactly three days to match the offer.
Hayward has also drawn serious interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the team was reportedly very close to also offering him a max deal before becoming legitimate contenders in the LeBron James sweepstakes.
While the Utah Jazz’ brass has insisted for months that they would be willing to match any offer sheet for Hayward, the 4-year, $63 million offer is a bold move for Michael Jordan’s Hornets, who are looking to build upon last season’s first round playoff exit and surprisingly good 43-39 regular season campaign. The attempt to add some additional scoring, ball movement, and rebounding that Hayward would bring is exactly the type of move that the Hornets need to make.
Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer first reported that the Hornets had agreed on a deal with Hayward via his twitter account:
Gordon Hayward has agreed to an offer sheet with the Charlotte Hornets, the Observer has learned.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) July 9, 2014
Gordon Hayward, a 6-8, 220 pound and 23-year-old small forward, was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, and spent his first three seasons playing alongside current Hornets center Al Jefferson. Last season, he proved his value as a scoring threat on a weak Utah Jazz squad, averaging 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 41.3% from the field.
It will soon be decision time for the Jazz.
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