Jazz All-Star forward Gordon Hayward's pending free-agency decision already was a feeding frenzy.
That frenzy turned into a chaotic pileup of conflicting reports Tuesday when news surfaced that Hayward was headed for the Boston Celtics — followed by more reports that he had not made a final decision.
In the end, the initial reports proved correct.
Hayward decided to bolt the Jazz and head east to the Celtics. He announced his decision in a lengthy first-person Players' Tribune story in which he thanked Utah for seven years and looked ahead to his future in Boston.
"This was a life-changing decision for me and my family, and something we took really seriously," he wrote. "And from the very start of this process, one thing stood out as important: I knew that I wanted the fans and the organizations to hear my decision directly from me.
"After seven years in Utah, I have decided to join the Boston Celtics."
Hayward's seventh season went smoothly for him and the Jazz. The franchise's top pick in the 2010 draft earned his first trip to the All-Star Game and turned himself into an All-NBA candidate. The Jazz won 51 games and the Northwest Division to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five years. And he helped them advance to the second round before getting swept by the Golden State Warriors.
But if the season went as planned, his free agency turned chaotic.
That chaos crescendoed Tuesday. The Salt Lake Tribune, The Boston Globe, ESPN and USA Today all reported early Tuesday afternoon that Hayward would sign with Boston, ending his seven-year stay in Utah. By late afternoon, however, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told The Tribune that reports were premature.
"Gordon and his wife are still in the process of making a decision," Bartelstein said. "This is the toughest decision of Gordon's life. He's still trying to work through it."
The Jazz still were hopeful early Tuesday evening that they could hang on to their star small forward. But then Hayward released his Players' Tribune story, which removed all doubt.
"I know that will be tough to hear for Jazz fans — and I really want you all to know that you mean the world to me and my family," Hayward wrote. "Over the past few days, I have been genuinely torn. And I know that this process isn't easy on the fans, either."
Utah reacted to Hayward's departure with disappointment. The Jazz genuinely felt they had a good shot at keeping him. They met with him Monday for almost four hours, where their pitch revolved around All-NBA center Rudy Gobert and a young core that the front office felt only would improve.
But sources say Hayward was drawn to Boston because of an easier path to playoff success in the Eastern Conference. The Jazz play in what is shaping up to be a brutal Western Conference next season. And two of the best players in the East — Jimmy Butler and Paul George — were traded into the Northwest Division.
Furthermore, the Jazz didn't enjoy much of a financial advantage. Yes, Utah was able to offer Hayward a fifth year and more money. But it was known early in the free-agency process that Hayward wanted a three-year deal with a fourth-year option. That way he could qualify for the 10-year veteran contract, which carries a heftier payday.
Hayward committed Tuesday to a three-year deal with a player option on the fourth year.
"We wish Gordon nothing but the best," Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey told The Tribune. "We appreciate the seven years he was with us. And we wish nothing but the best for Gordon, Robyn and their two children."
Tuesday turned out to be one of the wildest days in Jazz franchise history. It began with multiple sources telling The Tribune that Hayward had chosen the Celtics. The Jazz quickly made it clear that they hadn't heard anything official from their All-Star. Team president Steve Starks even tweeted: "We trust Gordon and his agent that no decision has been made. Good communication all day and a great relationship."
A source said the Jazz remained in communication with Bartelstein and the Hayward camp until Hayward officially informed the team of his departure just before The Players' Tribune story appeared online.
The franchise will be forced to pick up the pieces, which won't be easy. The Jazz looked like a top four team in the Western Conference with Hayward in the fold as well as the addition of point guard Ricky Rubio and top draft pick Donovan Mitchell.
Without him, Utah could struggle to make the postseason because it plays in the toughest division in the league, and the immediate future for the Jazz becomes murky at best. The roster is ripe with young talent but lacks a go-to player.
Utah will struggle to make up for Hayward's loss with what's left on the unrestricted free-agent market. Hayward averaged a career-high 21.9 points a game and established himself as one of the best all-around talents in the league last season. The Jazz built their team around his abilities.
The Jazz will rely more on fourth-year shooting guard Rodney Hood, who has the ability to be a featured scorer. Utah also has a deep bench, and Gobert has established himself as one of the best big men in the NBA.
But there are significant questions. Joe Johnson and Boris Diaw came to Utah to be a part of deep playoff runs, and the postseason outlook suddenly is bleaker for the Jazz. What happens to them? And what happens with Derrick Favors, who has one year left on his contract? These now are pressing questions the organization has to answer.
tjones@sltrib.com
Twitter: @tribjazz
Lennie Mahler | The Salt Lake Tribune Gordon Hayward is defended by Celtics forward Jae Crowder in the first half of an NBA basketball game at EnergySolutions in Salt Lake City, Monday, Jan. 26, 2015.
Lennie Mahler | The Salt Lake Tribune Gordon Hayward draws a hard foul from Celtics forward Brandon Bass in the first half of an NBA basketball game at EnergySolutions in Salt Lake City, Monday, Jan. 26, 2015.
Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) draws a foul as he gets into the lane during first half action in the Utah Jazz versus Los Angeles Clippers at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, January 28, 2015.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard Elijah Millsap (13) and Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), after Hayward was fouled as he scored, in NBA action at EnergySolutions Arena, Saturday, February 7, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) gets tangled up with Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15), in NBA action at EnergySolutions Arena, Saturday, February 7, 2015
Lennie Mahler | The Salt Lake Tribune Gordon Hayward drives past Zaza Pachulia and Ersan Ilyasova in the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.
Lennie Mahler | The Salt Lake Tribune Gordon Hayward drives past Zaza Pachulia and Ersan Ilyasova in the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.
Lennie Mahler | The Salt Lake Tribune Gordon Hayward loses control of the ball defended by Ersan Ilyasova in the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.
Lennie Mahler | The Salt Lake Tribune Gordon Hayward looks back after draining a three-point shot in the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) is fouled by Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier (10) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday December 3, 2015.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday December 3, 2015.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) steals the ball from Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday December 3, 2015.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots past Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) and Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday December 3, 2015.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots past Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) and Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday December 3, 2015.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) runs around Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier (10) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday December 3, 2015.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) fight for the ball during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday December 3, 2015. The Orlando Magic defeated the Utah Jazz 103-94.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dive for the ball during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday December 3, 2015. The Orlando Magic defeated the Utah Jazz 103-94.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) collides with Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34), in NBA action, The Utah Jazz vs. The Los Angeles Clippers, in Salt Lake City, Saturday, December 26, 2015.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) collides with Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6), in NBA action, The Utah Jazz vs. The Los Angeles Clippers, in Salt Lake City, Saturday, December 26, 2015.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) collides with Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34), in NBA action, The Utah Jazz vs. The Los Angeles Clippers, in Salt Lake City, Saturday, December 26, 2015.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) collides with Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34), in NBA action, The Utah Jazz vs. The Los Angeles Clippers, in Salt Lake City, Saturday, December 26, 2015.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), takes the ball inside, as Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) defends, in NBA action, The Utah Jazz vs. The Los Angeles Clippers, in Salt Lake City, Saturday, December 26, 2015.
Lennie Mahler | The Salt Lake Tribune Gordon Hayward draws a foul from Richaun Holmes in the first half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Monday, Dec. 28, 2015.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the ball during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday February 5, 2016.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday February 5, 2016.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots past Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday February 5, 2016.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates with Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday February 5, 2016. Utah Jazz defeated Milwaukee Bucks 84-81.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday February 5, 2016. Utah Jazz defeated Milwaukee Bucks 84-81.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) helps up Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday February 5, 2016. Utah Jazz defeated Milwaukee Bucks 84-81.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz F Gordon Hayward looks for room to make a move on Celtics G Marcus Smart during second half play. The Utah Jazz beat the Boston Celtics 111-93, Friday, February 19, 2016.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz F Gordon Hayward dribbles against Celtics G Avery Bradley during second half play. The Utah Jazz beat the Boston Celtics 111-93, Friday, February 19, 2016.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) is fouled as he goes up to shoot during first half pay. The Jazz held a 40-30 lead over the Atlanta Hawks during first half play, Friday November 25, 2016.
Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots for two of his 24 points as he falls during second half play. The Jazz beat the Atlanta Hawks 95-68, Friday November 25, 2016.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers center Timofey Mozgov (20) Los Angeles Lakers forward Luol Deng (9) and Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday January 26, 2017.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) runs past Los Angeles Lakers forward Luol Deng (9) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday January 26, 2017.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots past Los Angeles Lakers forward Luol Deng (9) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday January 26, 2017.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) before the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday January 26, 2017.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) before the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday January 26, 2017.
NBA commissioner David Stern, left, poses with Butler forward Gordon Hayward, whom the Utah Jazz selected with the ninth pick in the NBA Draft on Thursday. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Butler player Gordon Hayward, the Utah Jazz with the ninth overall pick, answers questions during a press conference, Thursday, June 24, 2010.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) and Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday, April 28, 2017.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) is introduced during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday, April 28, 2017.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) reacts after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) was called for a foul during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday, April 28, 2017.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday, April 28, 2017.
Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) walks off of the court after the game at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday, April 28, 2017. LA Clippers defeated Utah Jazz 98-93.
Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz player Gordon Hayward contemplates an answer on the season in exit interview in front of the sports media in Salt Lake City Tuesday May 9. The team cleaned out their lockers after their loss to the Golden State Warriors last night.
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