Report: Gordon Hayward could sign with Heat in free agency this summer

Could Pat Riley have another free-agent coup up his sleeve this July?

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports on Thursday that there are “whispers” that All-Star forward Gordon Hayward could end up with the Miami Heat this offseason if the Utah Jazz can’t re-sign him.

The 27-year-old Hayward, who is averaging career-highs in points (21.8) and rebounds per game (5.5) this season, has a $16.7 million player option for the 2017-18 season, which he is expected to decline.

The Jazz will be at something of a crossroads this summer after committing near-max money to center Rudy Gobert last November and failing to sign guard George Hill to an in-season extension. As for the Heat, they will enter the offseason with some flexibility as several of their players are on one-year deals, and cap relief from the Chris Bosh contract could be awaiting.

Still, Hayward is Utah’s cornerstone player, and they can theoretically pay him the most money over the most years, thus making the “if the Jazz can’t re-sign him” condition seem like a fairly large qualifier.