MIAMI _ Gordon Hayward left South Florida on Saturday sold on the possibilities of signing with the Miami Heat, only to change his mind a day later in his meeting with the Boston Celtics.
That was among the revelations in a story by the Deseret News on Hayward's decision to ultimately bypass the Heat as well as a return to the Utah Jazz, instead agreeing to a four-year contract with the Celtics.
In the piece, agent Mark Bartelstein explained that Hayward was conflicted until the announcement of his decision Tuesday evening.
Bartelstein said Hayward completed three essays for The Players Tribune, each detailing the reasoning for signing with each one of those teams. The essay about joining the Celtics eventually was the one posted.
Hayward met with Heat President Pat Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and several players, coaches and front-office members during his Saturday visit to AmericanAirlines Arena.
From the piece in the Deseret News:
"After every stop, a new leader in the clubhouse emerged.
"Hayward's trip to Miami was 'an unbelievable visit,' the agent said. After spending time with Riley, Spoelstra and crew, Hayward told Bartelstein, 'I can 100 percent see myself being here.'
"Boston surpassed Miami the following day after Hayward and his wife, Robyn, got the chance to spend time with Stevens, general manager Danny Ainge and the Celtics.
"'I think this is the spot,' Hayward told his agent during a phone call from the plane Sunday night. 'I think this is the right place for me.'
"Added Bartelstein, 'The whole Celtic mystique and tradition was really inspiring for him to be a part of that.' "
Indeed, NBA scouts and officials at the Orlando Pro Summer League said privately after the Heat hosted Hayward that it was their belief the All-Star forward would sign with the Heat. By Monday, the thoughts on Hayward's directions had shifted.
