Report: Hayward informs Jazz he'll opt out of deal to become UFA
Gordon Hayward is officially hitting the open market.
On Thursday, the All-Star small forward notified the Utah Jazz that he's declining the $16.7-million player option on his contract for next season to become an unrestricted free agent, league sources told ESPN's Marc Stein.
Once free agency begins Saturday, Hayward is expected to meet with the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Jazz.
Related - Report: Celtics working on plan to land Hayward, Paul George
Hayward is coming off his seventh and best campaign to date with the Jazz, who drafted him ninth overall in 2010. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a steal in 34.5 minutes per game, leading Utah to its first playoff appearance in five years.
The Jazz have made it their No. 1 priority this summer to retain their best player. They can offer the 27-year-old a five-year max deal worth almost $180 million, while their competitors can offer the free agent up to about $132 million over four years.