1 Gordon Hayward Small Forward, Utah Jazz

He may only be a first-time All-Star in 2017, but Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward is the one player to watch in NBA free agency this summer. Hayward has spent his first seven NBA seasons in Salt Lake City playing for the Jazz. He will wisely opt out of the final year of his Jazz contract to test the unrestricted free agency market for the first time.

During his restricted free agency in summer 2014, Hayward did sign an offer sheet with the then Charlotte Bobcats. His first few years with the Jazz were frustrating, but the last three under head coach Quin Snyder have brought stability on the sidelines in Utah. Under Snyder, Hayward has become a top-20 player in the league at a premium position in the league.

Teams like the Boston Celtics, the Miami Heat and his hometown Indiana Pacers could have interest in his services. The Boston connections stem from Hayward playing his college ball for Celtics head coach Brad Stevens in Butler. Miami is becoming a serious contender to land Hayward by the day.

In 2016-17, Hayward averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the best Jazz team in probably a decade. His free agency will come down to money, coaching and where he thinks he can win the most games. Utah, Boston and now Miami feel like the three teams to watch. Like LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Durant before him, this is Hayward’s free agency.