Jazz match offer; Hayward to get $63M, 4-year deal


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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz have matched a four-year, $63 million offer from the Charlotte Hornets to wingman Gordon Hayward.

Hayward, a restricted free agent, signed a max deal offer sheet with the Hornets last Thursday, putting the Jazz on notice for 72 hours to match or let Hayward walk. The Jazz informed the Hornets Saturday morning that the organization would be matching the offer and that Hayward would be returning to Utah.

"As we have said since the start of last season, we have always seen Gordon Hayward as a significant part of the future of the Utah Jazz," Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey said in a statement. "Gordon is a young, multi-faceted player and a high-character individual who we are pleased will remain a member of the Jazz for many years to come."

Throughout the free agency process the Jazz front office was consistent in its approach on Hayward, saying they valued Hayward’s value with the team and were confident he would be returning to the Jazz organization.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to coach Gordon," head coach Quin Snyder said in a statement. "He is a talented and versatile player, and will play an integral role in our effort to build the Utah Jazz into a championship-caliber team. We look forward to seeing him continue to develop as a leader on our team."

Hayward is set to make approximately $14.7 million this upcoming season, with a player option in the final year of his contract. As part of the deal is a 15 percent trade kicker, which means Utah would be forced to pay additionally money to send him in a trade.

Hayward failed to sign an extension at the beginning of last season, holding out to shop the market in free agency. The Jazz offered Hayward a qualifying offer in June to ensure he would be a restricted free agent. Hayward met with Cleveland and Charlotte, but only Charlotte offered Hayward a deal.

Officially back with the @utahjazz!!!! Wanna thank them and all of #jazznation for believing in me! Lots of work ahead...

— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) July 12, 2014

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