After matching the Charlotte Hornets’ four-year, $63 million offer to Gordon Hayward, the Utah Jazz will retain the 24-year-old restricted free agent.
The 6-8 small forward averaged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists last season, which were career highs across the board. Hayward shot 41.3% from the field.
Utah Jazz management have made it clear since failing to reach a contract extension with Hayward last October that they intended to match any offer for him, though many have questioned whether or not he is worth a max deal. Nonetheless, Michael Jordan’s Hornets made an aggressive move on Gordon Hayward, and the Jazz ownership held steadfast to their promise to keep him in Utah, matching the generous four year offer.
Speaking about the matter, Hayward’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, said the following:
“We’re extremely appreciative to Michael Jordan, Rich Cho, Steve Clifford and the Hornets for wanting Gordon and making Gordon feel like such a crucial piece to the team they’re building, that’s something really appreciated by Gordon and myself, not just the contract but the whole presentation that they made. But it’s always a wonderful thing when your own organization values you so much that they’d match a contract like this. I think it makes a great statement to Gordon about how they feel about him and value him. ”
Equipped with cash and cap space after this offer was matched it will be interesting to watch where the Charlotte Hornets may go next to add another key piece to a lineup that made the playoffs last season.
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Main Photo via USA Today Sports.
