Twitter Explodes as Gordon Hayward's Agent Denies Star Is Signing with Celtics

The Boston Celtics reportedly made a major splash on the free-agency market Tuesday and agreed to a deal with Gordon Hayward.

Maybe.

Chris Haynes of ESPN reported the news, which sent social media into a frenzy.

However, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN noted Hayward's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said "Gordon hasn't made a decision yet. We are still working through it."

Utah Jazz president Steve Starks reacted to the development:

Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe added more details:

Scott Cacciola of the New York Times suggested Derek Jeter was going through the final touches before Hayward's announcement went live on the Players' Tribune:

After Hayward officially announced he was heading to Boston, via a Players' Tribune post, Haynes celebrated his scoop:

The delay in the official news likely tested the patience and emotions of Celtics fans:

The ordeal reminded Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype of the Best Picture mishap at the Oscars:

Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders didn't exactly endear himself to Jazz fans:

News of Hayward's delayed decision turned heads but not before potential new teammate Isaiah Thomas and Utah Jazz point guard Ricky Rubio responded to the initial news he was joining the Celtics:

Rubio's disappointment didn't stop Thomas from dancing:

Kyle Neubeck of Complex pointed out those who paid attention to social media before Haynes broke the news had an idea where Hayward would choose:

Here's the best of the rest:

If Hayward does join his former college head coach, Brad Stevens, the Celtics will be even stronger after their 2017 Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The combination of Thomas, Hayward, Al Horford and a number of formidable role players would be difficult for everyone in the East to deal with, including the three-time defending conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

Hayward is coming off a season in which he made a career-high 21.9 points per game and would give the Celtics another go-to scorer who can extend his offensive attack beyond the three-point line as they look to go from championship contender to championship winner.