The Utah Jazz put forth an admirable effort in their Western Conference semifinals series with the Golden State Warriors.
Unfortunately for Jazz players, fans, and even media alike, Utah’s season ended on Monday night when the Warriors made mincemeat out of Gordon Hayward and Co. by the score of 121-95.
Despite the loss, Jazz fans chanted Hayward’s name after the game, as they clearly understood he might have played his last game for Utah considering he will be a free agent this summer.
Jazz fans give a heartfelt ovation as All-Star Gordon Hayward exits Game 4 for the final time.#ThisIsWhyWePlay #NBAPlayoffs #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/dkOBQnvEPK
— NBA.com (@NBAcom) May 9, 2017
There’s still an incredibly solid chance Hayward, 27, could end up signing a gargantuan contract to stay in Salt Lake City considering the Jazz can pay him many millions more than the rest of the NBA.
Gordon Hayward says ✌🏽 pic.twitter.com/IdOQUqsxfK
— SB Nation (@SBNation) May 9, 2017
However, Hayward’s college coach at Butler, Brad Stevens, has done a phenomenal job with the Boston Celtics, who are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference yet have plenty of money AND draft picks that can be used to improve and truly give the Cleveland Cavaliers a run for their money over the next three of four seasons.
Are we destined to see Gordon Hayward & Brad Stevens reunite in Boston? Let @JoelMeyersNBA & @Mitch_Lawrence know 855-622-5867
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) May 5, 2017
But on Monday night, Hayward’s future was the last thing on his mind during his postgame presser.
Gordon Hayward the Jazz fans showing him love was ‘special’ pic.twitter.com/amEWRc7eJx
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 9, 2017
Hayward subsequently took to Twitter to thank Jazz fans for their support and loyalty.
Hurts to lose, but this season was an amazing journey. Thanks for the support #JazzNation! Nothing but love. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/RFZDJosbey
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) May 9, 2017
Most basketball fans would hate to see Hayward leave to take less money in a bigger market. However, the Warriors don’t project to relinquish their stranglehold on the Western Conference anytime soon, which makes staying in Utah an overwhelmingly difficult decision if he truly wants a better chance to win a ring.