Gordon Hayward shared that he was initially determined to sign with Miami in 2017. After meeting with the Heat, he told his agent that Miami was where he wanted to be and felt no need for further meetings.
He expressed high regard for the Heat organization, calling them first-class and praising Erik Spoelstra as one of the best coaches in the league, with Pat Riley being a legend.
Hayward was very close to choosing Miami, especially with his brother-in-law living there and the appeal of the city for his family. However, he ultimately decided to sign with Boston.
“I remember vividly telling my agent after each meeting, like I started with Miami, and I’m like, ‘I want to go to Miami. We don’t even need to do the other meetings.’ Miami is the place I want to be, and he kind of was like, ‘Well, we got to hear everyone out.’ The Heat have always been a first-class organization, so I was really, really close to signing there.
“I feel like Spo is one of the best coaches in the league, and obviously, Pat Riley is legendary in his own right. I was very close. Also, my brother-in-law lives in Miami. My wife would have loved living there and the beach and everything, but ultimately decided to go to Boston.”
Gordon Hayward reveals that he was set on signing with Miami in 2017
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 8, 2024
“I remember vividly telling my agent after each meeting, like I started with Miami, and I’m like, ‘I want to go to Miami. We don’t even need to do the other meetings.’ Miami is the place I want to be, and he… pic.twitter.com/4RZGzbF3nI
