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Gordon Hayward: 5 potential landing spots in free agency

By Gerald Bourguet

April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during a stoppage in play against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during a stoppage in play against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gordon Hayward
Jan 24, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) defends in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets were the furthest away from a playoff spot out of any team on this list, but armed with cap space and a bevy of young talent on the rise, they shouldn’t be completely dismissed as they try to establish the Mile High City as a free agency destination.

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Though Denver’s most likely path to acquiring a star is through the trade market, it also has the cap space to offer Hayward a max four-year deal worth nearly $133 million right off the bat. Danilo Gallinari has a $16 million player option for the 2017-18 season, so even if he opts in for another year, the Nuggets may consider trading him to seek an upgrade on the wing.

Wilson Chandler had a (mostly) good season fluctuating between the bench and starting lineup, but he’s 29 and will most likely opt out of his $12.8 player option for the 2018-19 season. A new small forward will be needed sooner or later for this team to take the next step.

However, as much as the Nuggets are a fun, young team on the rise with guys like Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris and Jamal Murray, it’s hard to see why Hayward would leave a 51-team to join another Western Conference squad that didn’t even make the playoffs. Re-signing with Utah would make more sense in just about every way.