Utah Jazz: Team extends qualifying offer to swingman Gordon Hayward

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The Utah Jazz have set themselves up for their first free agent domino.

As expected, the Jazz formally extended a qualifying offer to small forward Gordon Hayward, making the 6-foot78 swingman out of Butler a restricted free agent.

With the offer, the Jazz have the right to match any offer Hayward receives on the open market in July. Teams can start negotiating with players on July 1. The Jazz had until Monday night to extend the qualifying offer.

Utah has made it clear that it will match almost any offer Hayward receives. Teams such as Phoenix and the Boston Celtics are expected to be interested in his services.

Tony Jones