Heat made strong impression on Hayward
MIAMI — Gordon Hayward left South Florida on Saturday sold on the possibilities of signing with the MiamiHeat, only to change his mind a day later in his meeting with the Boston Celtics.
That was among the revelations in a story by the Deseret News on Hayward’s decision to ultimately bypass the Heat as well as a return to the Utah Jazz, instead agreeing to a four-year contract with the Celtics.
In the piece, agent Mark Bartelstein explained that Hayward was conflicted until the announcement of his decision Tuesday evening.
Bartelstein saidHayward completed three essays for The Players Tribune, each detailing the reasoning for signing with each one of those teams. The essay about joining the Celtics eventually was the one posted.
Hayward met with Heat President Pat Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and several players, coaches and frontoffice members during his Saturday visit to Airlines Arena.
From the piece DeseretNews:
“After every leader in the emerged.
“Hayward’s trip toMiami was ‘an unbelievable visit,’ American- in the
stop, a new clubhouse the agent said. After spending time with Riley, Spoelstra and crew, Hayward told Bartelstein, ‘I can 100 percent seemyself being here.’
“Boston surpassed Miami the following day after Hayward and his wife, Robyn, got the chance to spend time with Stevens, general manager Danny Ainge and the Celtics.
“‘I think this is the spot,’ Hayward told his agent during a phone call from the plane Sunday night. ‘I think this is the right place forme.’
“Added Bartelstein, ‘The whole Celtic mystique and tradition was really inspiring for him to be a part of that.’ “
Indeed, NBA scouts and officials at the Orlando Pro Summer League said privately after the Heat hosted Hayward that it was their belief the All-Star forward would sign with the Heat. ByMonday, the thoughts on Hayward’s directions had shifted. appearance last season came in a 117-114 Dec. 30 loss to the Celtics that dropped the Heat to 10-24, and he was reduced to spectator amid the team’s climb back to 41-41.
“I’m just keeping at it, keep working hard and see where you are in September,” he said during a promotional appearance last month.