Report: Clippers attempted sign-and-trade for Jazz's Hayward in 2014

The Los Angeles Clippers' pursuit of the elusive starting small forward they so desperately covet dates back to two seasons ago when a young scorer playing out of Salt Lake City caught their attention.

The franchise explored possible sign-and-trade scenarios for forward Gordon Hayward during the summer of 2014, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.

Hayward was a restricted free agent at the time, receiving a four-year, $63-million offer sheet from the Charlotte Hornets that was eventually matched by Utah.

The Clippers qualified for the playoffs for a third straight season in 2013-14 with a 57-25 record, losing out in the conference semifinals in six games to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They used an interchangeable collection of wings without one consistent option, as Jared Dudley, Matt Barnes, and even Jamal Crawford all held down the 3-spot at some point or another.

Hayward had averaged 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists that same season, all of which were careers highs. Clippers head coach and president of basketball operations Doc Rivers was a huge advocate of his, and was hoping a deal would come to fruition.

With a player option of $16.7 million, Hayward could opt out and hit unrestricted free agency this summer, leaving the door open for Los Angeles to finally get their man. The problem, though, is that Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and J.J. Redick are all in the same situation, and keeping them all on the roster will be the Clippers' top priority.