Gordon Hayward: 5 potential landing spots in free agency

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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Mar 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) gets a hug after the game from Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Utah 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Indiana Pacers

Seems a bit odd to include an underwhelming squad like the Indiana Pacers among the top suitors, especially since Gordon Hayward leaving the Jazz would almost have to be for a legitimate contender.

However, there are a few reasons this might actually make some sense. Aside from having the kind of cap space to offer him a max deal, the Pacers would also provide an easier path to the Finals through the East.

Who says the Indiana Pacers have to fall apart? Imagine Paul George staying, playing with ... Gordon Hayward. https://t.co/zliFsThOHQ
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) May 9, 2017

Pairing Hayward and Paul George would make for a dynamic wing tandem, even if re-signing Jeff Teague would then become a challenge. PG-13 would like to play with Hayward, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, and this move would return the Jazz star to Indianapolis, near his hometown of Brownsburg, Indiana.

This kind of move would bring in star power, perhaps giving George more reason to re-up with the Pacers for the long haul rather than leaving in free agency. Positional overlap aside though, there are simply better options for Hayward than an Indiana homecoming, even with that Eastern Conference advantage looming large.