Derrick Favors just got his contract extension, and teammate Gordon Hayward might be next. While nothing is imminent, Hayward and the Utah Jazz continue to discuss a possible extension, according to Aaron Falk of The Salt Lake Tribune.
Jazz, Gordon Hayward continue to discuss contract extension, per reports
Possible deal would reportedly be worth more than the recent contract extension given to Derrick Favors.
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ESPN’s Marc Stein confirmed the report, stating that Hayward is expected to get a new deal before the Oct. 31 deadline. Stein also reports that if the deal does in fact get done, it will be worth more than the four-year, $49 million one just given to Favors.
Hayward told Falk that he’s happy for his teammate and isn’t concerned about getting a new deal done for himself:
“Not at all,” he said. “Extremely happy for him. It’s great for the organization, for [Favors]. Couldn’t be happier for him. I’m just playing basketball. I don’t worry about that.
Hayward is coming off his most productive year as a pro. Hayward averaged 14.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 29.2 minutes per game, splitting time as both a starter and reserve. The 23-year-old started 27 out of the 72 games he played in last year.
Although Hayward’s shooting percentage has dipped each of the last two seasons and was at just 43.5 percent last year, that can be explained by a major uptick in usage. And due to the fact that he increased his three-point percentage to 41.5 percent while also getting to the line more, his offensive efficiency really hasn’t suffered.
Meanwhile, Hayward is solid on the other end of the floor, and he has the potential to be one of the NBA’s better two-way players with a bit more seasoning. The Jazz clearly seem to think Hayward’s a major part of their future, which is why they’re looking to lock him up before he hits restricted free agency in 2014.
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