The Miami Heat almost landed Gordon Hayward a few years back but didn’t. Could he be in play for them again this season?
The Miami Heat didn’t have a big signing for a while before Jimmy Butler. They almost had one though.
Let’s flashback to 2017, Gordon Hayward announced that July his intentions to take his talents to Boston. About a week later, Hayward appeared on a podcast with our Basketball rumor and reporting Lord and Savior, Adrian Wojnarowski or Woj, to discuss his decision.
I still remember listening to this podcast. I was pressure washing my parent’s driveway when Woj asked the question, “what team was your second choice?”
No way Gordon answers this question, right? That was my thought process, but then Hayward said that he almost signed with Miami.
I naturally dropped to a knee and had to take a few seconds to collect my emotions. Almost signed with Miami?
The Miami Heat had a shot at Gordon Hayward before he signed with the Boston Celtics.
I was heartbroken.
Three years later, Hayward has been battling back from a gruesome injury and Miami is coming off its’ first post-LeBron James finals appearance. Could these two rekindle previous feelings for one another?
Hayward has a player option for this season and if he opts out, Miami could sign him to a long-term deal. Depending on the number, I wouldn’t be opposed to this.
But Pat Riley would have to make sure this doesn’t affect Miami’s cap for next summer when the Heat are set to chase Giannis Antetokounmpo in free agency.
The Heat could also trade for Gordon if he decides to pick up his player option. You could argue that Gordon would get more of an opportunity to play in Miami than in Boston.
Gordon would also get one more year to prove that he’s healthy before going to get another big payday from another club.
I like the idea of trading for an expiring Hayward rather than signing him in free agency. A one-year deal doesn’t hurt the Heat’s cap and Gordon would be a great addition, especially since he was so close to coming to Miami back in 2017.
Those feelings from three years ago haven’t gone away, so if the price is right, Gordon Hayward could still be a Miami Heat player yet. Maybe?