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SALT LAKE CITY — While the Utah Jazz's summer league roster was busy in their first day of game action, the rest of the Jazz had bigger plans. Here's what was going on.
Hayward meeting with Utah
Gordon Hayward met with the Utah Jazz for his final meeting of free agency Monday. In attendance were Jazz owner Gail Miller, general manager Dennis Lindsey, head coach Quin Snyder, and players Rudy Gobert, Rodney Hood, Joe Ingles and newcomer Ricky Rubio.
The meeting went well, according to multiple media reports, and lasted about 3 and a half hours. That's shorter than Hayward's meeting with Boston and Miami, though both of those locations toured Hayward and wife Robyn around the city. That wasn't necessary with the Jazz's meeting, which took place at Hayward's home near San Diego.
That Rubio flew in from Spain was a little bit of a surprise, given that he attended a wedding Sunday. But Rubio wanted to be part of the pitch to keep Hayward in a Jazz uniform. That Hood was also part of the pitch is notable too, and may mean that the Jazz view Hood as an important piece of their long-term future.
After the meeting, USAToday's Sam Amick reported that Hayward would sleep on his decision between Utah, Boston, and Miami.
Indeed, Hayward is said to be "torn" by the decision.
At the risk of tugging at Jazz fans' heart strings, I'm told Utah made a very strong impression on Gordon Hayward & he's genuinely torn. — Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 4, 2017
That wording is probably a little bit worrying for Jazz fans, as reports around Kevin Durant's decision to head to Oklahoma City used much of the same language. But just like Durant last year, it appears likely Hayward will announce his decision on July 4.
Gallinari headed to LA?
Another reason the Hayward stakes are so important: reasonable replacement wing choices are drying up somewhat. Danilo Gallinari looks set to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-way sign-and-trade arrangement.
I've heard that Gallinari represented a reasonable Plan B choice if Hayward decided to leave. But if "The Rooster" is off the market, it's not immediately clear what the Jazz's Plan C would be.
Vivint Arena seats
Workers are installing the new blue cushioned seats in the renovated Vivint Arena, and we got our first close-up look at the furniture thanks to the @vivintarena Twitter account.
First row of brand new seats has been installed.
— Vivint Arena (@vivintarena) June 30, 2017
✨IT'S HAPPENING✨#ArenaRisingpic.twitter.com/4SwwckILBM
They look nice! They'll continue installing seats throughout the summer, it's apparently a lengthy process.
One other quick arena note: we'll be getting a third renovation animation video released sometime this summer, and I'll be getting another tour in about a month or so as well, as progress continues on the construction work.
