Bill Simmons C's interest in Hayward (Speculation more so than Rumor)

[pearljammer10]

Saw this on Hoopshype. Looks like more speculation on Simmons part rather than any information "sources" or anything like that. Not news worthy but thought it was interesting.

Bill Simmons: From today's BS Report - I believe Boston will make a big play for Gordon Hayward, either a Feb. trade or a restricted FA offer in July. Twitter @BillSimmons - See more at: http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm#sthash.05joSl74.dpuf

[indeedproceed]

He talked about it and he's been talking about it. I actually think he's clued in a little here by inside sources, but is being coy. But 'making a big play' is different than 'close to actually doing anything'.

[LooseCannon]

With Bill Simmons, I am never quite sure where to draw the line between informed speculation and projection of his own desires.  (Does Simmons like Hayward as a player?)

To me, "big play" means being willing to give up multiple firsts.

[Jeff]

I agree with IP.  I wouldn't be surprised if he had some inside info but that doesn't mean that Utah will play.  It is an odd game of "when do you make a move?"  If you trade for him, you are giving up assets.  If you don't, you might not get him (or anyone else of worth) this summer.  Plus, if you trade for him, what if you get a Wiggins or Parker?  And are you offloading Jeff Green in the process?  Lots of foggy details.

That said, I wouldn't mind making a play for him one way or the other.

[Lucky17]

If the Celtics are to make an offer in FA, what's the most they could offer, now that Lee is gone? Especially if Crawford and/or Bradley's cap holds are still on the books?

Without crunching the numbers, it doesn't seem like it'd be a competitive offer.

If interest is legit, Celtics might need to do it via trade. Bogans and a couple 1sts?

[Cman]

Just because of the Butler connection??
I don't buy it.

[lon3lytoaster]

What do we have to offer, though? I have no idea what the Jazz would even be interested in. Expiring contracts and picks? young players? I heard the reason we moved up for Olynyk was to take him from the Jazz. Olynyk and the Hawks/Clippers picks?

[csfansince60s]

Given the ultra-secretive nature of the Jazz front office as well as the head-scratching moves they have made in the past (Sloan going bye-bye, then the coach-killer DWIll being dealt to last years letting AlJeff and Milsap walk for nothing), good luck in engineering a deal with them.

I guess if anyone can do it, Danny can. I'm sure he has more insight than most outsiders as to the strange goings-on in Utah.

[satch]

I think Jeff Green is a better player but Hayward plays harder.

[jayhovaone]

Green is more athletic but hayward has a higher basketball IQ and he has a better feelfor the game than Jeff Green in my opinion.

[Evantime34]

SImmons on the birdmester video said he had inside info, so i think it's more rumor than speculation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEOWuoPe6wQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUwLr_DYKR8aS0k4r8bB5I5Q

[D.o.s.]

Just because of the Butler connection??
I don't buy it.

And he's white. C's fans love white players almost as much as Utah fans do.

Given the ultra-secretive nature of the Jazz front office as well as the head-scratching moves they have made in the past (Sloan going bye-bye, then the coach-killer DWIll being dealt to last years letting AlJeff and Milsap walk for nothing), good luck in engineering a deal with them.

I guess if anyone can do it, Danny can. I'm sure he has more insight than most outsiders as to the strange goings-on in Utah.

None of those things really seem like head scratchers to me, though I believe that Sloan left on his own accord after a falling out with Williams.

[get_banners]

how good can hayward actually be? i haven't seen a ton of him, but i don't see him as being better than jeff green (that is...green with rondo where he actually gets the ball a lot more than he does now). if that's the case, i'd be wary of offering too much in a trade.

[obnoxiousmime]

Something is missing here. The only way I see the Jazz letting him go are:

1) Some team makes a ridiculous offer in RFA (seems unlikely) and gets him for nothing or low-value assets in a sign and trade. Say, an expiring and a so-so young player/second-rounder.

2a) Some team makes a fair offer in RFA and gets him for something close to or better than fair value in a sign and trade. Say, an expiring and a good young player and a first-rounder in the 20s.

+PLUS+

2b) Hayward specifically tells the Jazz he's not happy there and wants to leave and for some reason they respect his wishes.


Otherwise there's a million reasons to keep him:

1) Plenty of cap space next year.
2) No character questions I know of.
3) White (bonus in Utah's market).
4) Young enough to fit with their rebuild.
5) Along with Burke and Favors only player resembling a possible star in Utah.
6) Not SO good that he would endanger their tanking position this year or next.

EDIT: I forgot that one other scenario could be, they're in position to draft a SG they really like (say, Exum or Smart) and want to give starter's minutes to AND they really like who they're getting back in return (e.g. they love Jeff Green for some reason). Or, they LOVE Alex Burks and think he's as good or better than Hayward.

[SHAQATTACK]

Possible maybe......can see the Interest......not a priority most likely .......high on Brads want list I'm sure

Probable .....most likely not......Jazz have no reason to trade him.