SALT LAKE CITY – Gordon Hayward and the Utah Jazz announced Saturday the guard/forward is staying on with the team despite a recent offer extended to the career Jazz player by the Charlotte Hornets.
Gordon Hayward tweeted Saturday afternoon: “Officially back with the @utahjazz!!!! Wanna thank them and all of #jazznation for believing in me! Lots of work ahead..”
In a press release issued Saturday, the Utah Jazz stated they retained their right of first refusal and “matched the offer sheet extended to guard/forward Gordon Hayward by the Charlotte Hornets."
The Hornets had extended maximum offer sheet, a 4-year $63 million deal that amounts to approximately 15.7 million per year.
The team's official Twitter feed made a less-formal, more enthusiastic announcement.
The team’s new head coach, Quin Snyder, stated in a press release he is excited to coach Gordon.
“He is a talented and versatile player, and will play an integral role in our effort to build the Utah Jazz into a championship-caliber team,” he stated. “We look forward to seeing him continue to develop as a leader on our team.”
Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey echoed the sentiment.
“As we have said since the start of last season, we have always seen Gordon Hayward as a significant part of the future of the Utah Jazz,” he stated. “Gordon is a young, multi-faceted player and a high-character individual who we are pleased will remain a member of the Jazz for many years to come.”
Jazz President Randy Rigby stated in the release Gordon is a “foundational piece” for the team and an important member of the local community.
“We have appreciated his commitment in the past and look forward to his continued growth both on and off the court,” he stated.
Hayward, a 24-year-old who has played with the Jazz since he was selected in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft, has played 287 career games with 179 starts. He averages 12 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, according to the press release.
Click here for the full press release from the Utah Jazz.
Hayward sat down with FOX 13 Sports in January for a 1-on-1 interview, click here to see the video.
