Gordon Hayward Rumors: Jazz Reportedly Confident in Re-Signing Star

Gordon Hayward's free-agency journey is just beginning, but the Utah Jazz are reportedly optimistic they can retain him despite competition from the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. 

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski (h/t 16 Wins A Ring's Adam Joseph), the Jazz are "confident" they can re-sign Hayward since he's been "very engaged" with the team during the offseason and working out with Jazz trainers. 

On Friday, the Deseret News' Jody Genessy reported there was "obvious optimism within [the] Jazz" that acquiring Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves would make Hayward more likely to return to Utah. 

And while the Jazz will have the last word before Hayward makes his decision, per ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Heat and Celtics will have compelling cases to make. 

Miami can pitch Hayward on a future alongside Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, while the Celtics will try to sway Hayward to join forces with Brad Stevens—his former college coach—point guard Isaiah Thomas and big man Al Horford. 

The Jazz, though, hold an inherent advantage since they can extend a five-year offer worth approximately $40 million more than the Celtics and Heat—who can only offer four-year max contracts.