Report: Phoenix Suns to make substantial offer to Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward
Jun 30, 2014, 2:28 AM | Updated: 3:11 am
While reports surfaced Sunday that the Phoenix Suns intend to make a play for both Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James when free agency begins Tuesday, the team also has its sights set on another potential target.
According to the Deseret News’ Jody Genessy, the Suns are expected to make a significant offer, possibly even of the max contract variety, to land Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward, who is a restricted free agent.
The third-year pro out of Butler averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game last season, and Genessy noted that any offer made to Hayward would likely be matched by the Jazz.
If the Suns have anything on their side when it comes to the courtship of Hayward, it might just be his relationship with head coach Jeff Hornacek.
During parts Hayward’s first three years in the league, Hornacek served as an assistant under Tyrone Corbin.
In addition to the Suns, Genessy added that the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets could be interested in Hayward’s services.
