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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
Dec 1, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) defends against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Miami won 111-110. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat actually finished two spots below the Pacers on the Eastern Conference ladder, but according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, there are already whispers that Hayward could end up in South Beach if he doesn’t re-sign with Utah.

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Whether this is just mere speculation or legitimate rumblings remains to be seen, but armed with a plethora of cap space, the Heat can never be ruled out of a free agency conversation.

Don’t forget, Miami was one of the few teams included in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes last summer, and thanks to Pat Riley, a championship culture, terrific weather, the beach, great nightlife and zero state income tax, the Heat organization will always appeal to free agents.

It’s hard to see Gordon Hayward as someone who would be enamored with that kind of lifestyle, and the Heat may simply set their sights on re-signing their own pending free agents like Dion Waiters and James Johnson following career years.

But a potential Big Three of Hayward, Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside is intriguing, especially after Erick Spoelstra earned the franchise plenty of positive vibes and good will with free agents following the team’s 30-11 finish to the season.