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Mar 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward (20) scrambles for a loose ball against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Utah 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Gordon Hayward can become a free agent this summer, and he is widely expected to exercise that option. Here are five reasons that Hayward should sign with the Indiana Pacers.
Gordon Hayward, the 6-foot-8 All-Star small forward who has spent his entire seven-year career playing for the Utah Jazz, can become a free agent this summer. Could the Indiana Pacers be one of the teams in the mix to sign Hayward?
Hayward has a player option for 2017-18 that would pay him $16.7 million, and it appears to be a foregone conclusion that he will opt out and test the free agent market.
Much of the talk in the rumor mill has centered around the Boston Celtics, who are coached by Brad Stevens. Stevens was Hayward's college head coach while they were both part of the Butler University basketball program.
Stevens and Hayward have maintained a close relationship over the years, and many pundits feel that there is strong mutual interest between Hayward and the Celtics.
However, there seems to be a dark horse team emerging in the Gordon Hayward Sweepstakes, one who could pose a challenge to Boston and other suitors who are trying to secure Hayward's services — and that team is the Indiana Pacers.
We will now present the five most compelling reasons why Gordon Hayward should consider signing with the Indiana Pacers.
Mar 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) leads a a fast break against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Utah 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Opportunity to play close to home
Gordon Hayward grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, which is a suburb just west of Indianapolis. He led his high school team to a state championship before moving on to star for Butler University.
Butler, located on the near north side of Indianapolis, made a "Cinderella" run to the NCAA championship game in 2010 with Hayward as their focal point.
Clearly, Gordon Hayward has very strong ties to the Indianapolis area, and most athletes cherish the opportunity to play professionally in their hometown — particularly since it is a fairly rare occurrence in the NBA.
Any desire Hayward has to play for his hometown Pacers is not something he has announced publicly, but according to Vigilant Sports, he has stated that he enjoys playing in Indianapolis and spending time with family and friends when the Jazz visit Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Gordon Hayward has cultivated many relationships connected to Brownsburg High School, Butler University and the Indianapolis area in general.
It would seem natural that he would be interested in continuing his successful NBA career as a member of the Indiana Pacers, but there are many parameters Hayward and his advisors must consider before making a final decision on his next NBA destination.
Mar 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) greets Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) after the irgame at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Utah 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Joining a team led by Paul George
In Utah, Gordon Hayward is the top player and only NBA All-Star on the roster. However, if he were to sign with the Pacers, he would form a one-two punch with fellow All-Star forward Paul George.
It can be very taxing for a pro player to carry much of the load themselves, as evidenced by the many reports last season that New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis had grown weary of shouldering a massive amount of responsibility for his club.
Hayward has never had the opportunity to play with someone of Paul George's caliber, and that should be an enticing prospect for him.
Another reason George's presence in Indiana is important is that George himself has stated his desire to play with Gordon Hayward, as reported by ESPN's Zach Lowe.
Paul George wants the Pacers to build a better supporting cast around him, and adding Hayward would be a huge step in that direction.
If Indiana is able to sign Hayward, the odds that Paul George would remain with the Pacers on a long-term basis would appear to skyrocket.
George and Hayward technically play the same position (small forward), but in today's NBA, that isn't much of an issue.
Additionally, both have shown the ability to play shooting guard, which is the spot one of them would likely occupy if the Pacers obtain Hayward.
Mar 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) brings the ball up court against the Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The presence of Jeff Teague
Jeff Teague is another Indianapolis native who currently plays for the Indiana Pacers. Teague is also headed into free agency, but the Pacers have made it known that they want Teague with the club for years to come.
If Indiana is successful in re-signing Teague, it would be a plus in terms of luring Gordon Hayward to sign with the team. Hayward has shared that he likes playing with other Indianapolis-area players, of which Teague is one.
Furthermore, Jeff Teague is a former NBA All-Star who is coming off a very good season with the Pacers. Teague is a very creative and efficient passer, which would open things up for Hayward and make his job easier.
Hayward's scoring ability would also make Teague more effective at the point guard position, and in turn, make Indiana a more dangerous team in the Eastern Conference.
The trio of Paul George, Gordon Hayward and Jeff Teague certainly looks like a winning combination, as each player would seem to make the other two better.
There are a lot of moving parts here, but Jeff Teague remaining in Indiana could be a significant factor in the team's potential quest to sign Gordon Hayward, even if the Pacers would have to shed a considerable amount of salary in order to court all three.
Apr 12, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) reacts to scoring and getting fouled during a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Atlanta 104-86. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The rise of Myles Turner
Myles Turner came to Indiana as the No. 11 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. As a 19-year-old late lottery pick, Turner arrived on the scene with little fanfare, but that quickly changed.
Turner immediately showed that he was more than a long-term project, logging a solid rookie season in 2015-16. More was expected of Turner heading into his second NBA campaign, and he did not disappoint.
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Myles Turner became Indiana's starting center last year, and his production was impressive for such a young player: 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game on 51 percent shooting from the field and 81 percent from the free throw line.
Turner added three-point range to his arsenal in year two, hitting a respectable 35 percent on 115 attempts in 2016-17. Myles Turner is clearly on his way up, and he has made a strong impression on many within the NBA community.
The Indianapolis Star reports that Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers feels that Myles Turner is headed for NBA stardom.
"Turner is going to be a superstar," Rivers said. "I think no one will argue that. In fact, it will probably happen quicker than any of us thought. He's special."
The huge potential and continued growth of Myles Turner is another thing that makes the Pacers an attractive landing spot for Gordon Hayward, particularly when combined with the other advantages Indiana can offer the soon-to-be free agent.
Mar 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward (20) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Utah 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
More money, less pressure
The Utah Jazz can offer Gordon Hayward more money than any other team, but one thing they can't offer is less pressure — in fact, signing a max contract with his current team would only increase the weight on Hayward's shoulders.
If Hayward signs with Indiana, he would get a substantial raise over what he makes now, and also take on a role in which he would not carry nearly as much of the burden as he does in Utah.
This scenario would create an opportunity to play a substantive but supporting role to Paul George, and also provide the luxury of playing with an All-Star caliber point guard (if Teague re-signs with the Pacers).
Hayward could be a key component of building a contending team in his hometown, and he would do so with much more help and support (on the court) than he is currently receiving with the Jazz.
There is a great deal for Gordon Hayward to think about in terms of where he should sign. However, there are at least five good reasons why he should take a long look at the Indiana Pacers before he signs with the Jazz, Celtics or anyone else.
