Indiana Pacers: 5 potential free agency targets in 2017

Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) defends Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) as he drives to the basket in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 8, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball over Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the second quarter in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Gordon Hayward, SF

If Indiana is somehow able to sign Gordon Hayward, he would represent the most significant free agent addition in the team’s history.

Normally, the Pacers would not be in any position to sign an All-Star free agent player in his prime, but Gordon Hayward is not just any player.

Hayward was born and raised in an Indianapolis suburb (Brownsburg) and attended Butler University in Indianapolis. Hayward has many close friends and family members in the area, so his ties to central Indiana remain strong.

The Pacers could theoretically offer Hayward a max contract, but they would have to renounce all their own free agents and put nearly all their available cap space into Hayward.

Gordon Hayward would be a dream replacement for Paul George, and he would be lauded as a local hero for filling the void left by George and becoming the new face of the franchise.

Hayward will have many other options, and the Pacers are not likely to put all their eggs in one basket by going all in on Hayward.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

However, there is a slim chance this could happen, and slim is better than none for an Indiana franchise that rarely has any hope of snagging a top free agent like Gordon Hayward.

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