Gordon Hayward says he wanted to ‘put on the jersey’ after Miami Heat meeting

Gordon Hayward discussed his free agency decision, and his experience meeting with Pat Riley and the Miami Heat over the summer on Adrian Wojnarowski’s podcast.

Gordon Hayward ended up signing with the Boston Celtics but, as he said on The Woj Pod, hosted by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Miami Heat made a big impression on the then-free agent.

The Heat had the opportunity to be the first to pitch Hayward and his wife, Robyn. They met with Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra, among others in the Heat’s front office, on July 1, the first day free agents could meet with teams.

Hayward was seeking a maximum deal, which the Heat had the means to offer after waiving Chris Bosh. Heading into free agency, Riley was cautious in talking with the media about Miami’s chances of landing a big-name free agent.

However, they did seem to leave an impression on Hayward–the biggest, realistic, free agent on this summer’s market.

Hayward said that after the meeting, he was very impressed, and texted his agent Mark Bartelstein.

"“I think the text that I sent to Mark was, ‘Wow, that’s going to be really tough to beat,’ or something like that. I asked Robyn and she said something like she could see herself living there, that would be a really great place for us to be.”"

The Heat’s meeting with Hayward and his wife included meeting with Pat Riley, general manager Andy Elisburg, head coach, Erik Spoelstra, CEO Nick Arison and Alonzo Mourning. Hayward also spoke with current players Hassan Whiteside, Udonis Haslem and James Johnson.

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Hayward’s meeting with Riley included videos of the Heat’s history and Riley stressing the merit of the championship organization.

"“After the video, he kind of talked a little bit. And that was the moment where you kind of do get some chills. And everyone’s wearing their ring, too, everybody on the staff was. And so that’s the moment where you’re like, ‘Wow, that’s really cool,’ an I-want-to-put-on-the-jersey-right-now type feeling.”"

There was also a 45-minute session with Spoelstra.

"“It was something where I went into it curious and intrigued just to talk with him and see his philosophies and his thoughts. I definitely was not disappointed in the meeting we had. It went by really quick, but it was a great meeting with Spo. We just talked one-on-one, too. He’s a tremendous coach. I could feel it just in that meeting.”"

Hayward said that he and his wife would make a list of pros and cons, and that Miami would continually end up near the top of their list.

"“Miami was a spot that the more and more we talked about it, the more and more it looked like this would be a really, really good fit for me.”"

However, four days after his meeting, Hayward announced he would sign with the Celtics, led by his former college coach Brad Stevens. Hayward said, though, that that didn’t put Miami at a disadvantage.

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After the decision, the Heat turned to their “Plan B” of re-signing Dion Waiters and Johnson, retaining Wayne Ellington and signing Kelly Olynyk with the cap space they would have used on Hayward.