Report: Hayward Reportedly Chooses Celtics, But Agent Quickly Refutes Report
BOSTON (CBS) -- Here come the fireworks.
Well, maybe.
Fee agent forward Gordon Hayward was reported to have chosen the Celtics, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes. USA Today's Sam Amick and The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach also reported the news.
Free-agent Gordon Hayward plans to sign with the Boston Celtics, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 4, 2017
Can confirm that Gordon Hayward intends to sign with the Boston Celtics. @ChrisBHaynes first.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 4, 2017
A league source confirms the Celtics have signed Gordon Hayward.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 4, 2017
Hayward will be heading to the #Celtics on a four-year deal. https://t.co/Hf9Vv4d92U
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) July 4, 2017
Gordon Hayward will reportedly be wearing Celtics green next season. (Via @ChrisBHaynes) pic.twitter.com/sU2iLgIDAF
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 4, 2017
Celtics star Isaiah Thomas reacted to the report using his famed eyeball emoji:
However, shortly after the report was made, several NBA reporters noted that a Hayward decision had not yet been made.
The Utah Jazz are still waiting to be told of Gordon Hayward's intentions, league source tells ESPN. Hayward hasn't told them his plans yet.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2017
Gordon Hayward's agent, Mark Bartelstein, tells ESPN: "Gordon hasn't made a decision yet. We are still working through it."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2017
Okay. Strap in. Told by a source w/knowledge of the process that Gordon Hayward has NOT made a decision yet & is still in the process. FWIW.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 4, 2017
Another league source says Boston hasn't heard yet directly from Hayward. Again: doesn't mean he cant pick Cs later; he just hasn't yet.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 4, 2017
Celt source says no decision yet. Hard to believe so many trusted reporters wrong. Likely the process of informing teams was interrupted.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) July 4, 2017
Maybe this will all make sense in a few minutes, but right now this is some seriously bizarre (stuff).
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) July 4, 2017
Hayward's agent Mark Bartelstein on whether final word is coming today: "That was the goal, but now we've got to kind of regroup here a bit"
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 4, 2017
We trust Gordon and his agent that no decision has been made. Good communication all day and a great relationship.
— Steve Starks (@StevenStarks) July 4, 2017
Just spoke w/GH'sagent, says his client hasn't made a decision, is "upset someone would report that. He's trying to re-evaluate everything."
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) July 4, 2017
The 6-foot-8 forward averaged a career-high 21.9 points per game for Utah last season, earning his first All-Star nod. A 44 percent shooter for his career, Hayward hit a career-high 47 percent of his from the floor last season while draining 40 percent of his attempts from downtown.
It's unknown exactly how this situation will figure itself out, but for now the basketball world waits.
Hayward cannot officially sign any deal until July 6.