Gordon Hayward, Jazz still not close on deal as deadline nears

Sam Amick | USA TODAY Sports

As the Thursday deadline for an extension nears, Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward has a lot to think about.

He's in talks with the Jazz about a new deal, and it's paramount that they secure his services considering he's the anchor of this young core that also includes recently-extended forward Derrick Favors (he agreed to a four-year, $49 million deal on Oct. 18).

But as Hayward continues to showcase his under-appreciated skills during the preseason, and as it seems more apparent that his fanbase extends beyond the Jazz and to the league at large, the chance remains that he may not agree to an extension and will instead choose to be a highly sought-after restricted free agent next summer.

A person with knowledge of the talks said the two sides were not close to a deal as of Saturday afternoon, though that doesn't mean one may not eventually get done. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks.

For all the focus on the possible free agency of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki, the 23-year-old Hayward could be the head of a younger class that – aside from James – could garner even more interest than some of the future Hall of Famers. Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers unintentionally underscored that point on Tuesday, when he was asked about Hayward and replied by saying, "I have a man crush on that guy. He's really good."

But how good is he, and what will the cost be if the Jazz – who could match any offer that comes his way next summer – are going to avoid letting him get away? That much remains to be seen. Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George often comes up in the Hayward conversation for all the obvious reasons – Hayward was the ninth pick in the 2010 draft out of Butler, while George was 10th out of Fresno State, and both have excelled.

But George was given a five-year, $90 million maximum contract extension last month not only because of his potential but because of his actual production. He averaged 17.4 points and 7.6 rebounds last season while being considered an elite perimeter defender on a team that nearly upset the reigning champion Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Hayward, meanwhile, has had to grow and flourish amid a Jazz roster that wasn't nearly as talented as the Pacers before (they missed the playoffs by two games) and is even worse off now that the rebuild is in full effect (they lost forwards Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap to free agency while focusing on young bigs Favors and Enes Kanter). He averaged 14.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and three assists per game last season, but has shown recently that those numbers are likely on the rise. In the last five preseason games, he averaged 18 points, 4.8 rebounds and five assists.

If Hayward keeps this up in Wednesday's regular season opener against Oklahoma City that falls on the eve of the extension deadline, that voice in his head telling him to hold off for a bigger and better deal may get louder still. One way or another, we'll know in the next five days.

Follow Sam Amick on Twitter @sam_amick