Report: Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz remain 'far apart' in contract discussions

The Jazz have until Nov. 1 to agree to an extension with forward Gordon Hayward. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images) With just six days left to agree on a

The Jazz have until Nov. 1 to agree to an extension with forward Gordon Hayward. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

With just six days left to agree on a contract extension, the Utah Jazz and forward Gordon Hayward remain "far apart" in discussions, Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting.

"Talks are expected to pick up this week, but there's nothing resembling even the baseline for an agreement in place," sources told Wojnarowski.

The deadline for players from the 2010 draft class to sign extensions is 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31.

If the Jazz do not agree to a deal with Hayward, they would allow him to hit the open market as a restricted free agent. Utah would have the option to match any team's offer sheet, but could face a less team-friendly deal that includes a higher salary, an early termination option and a trade kicker.

From the report:

Two teams with ample salary-cap space have head coaches – Boston's Brad Stevens and Phoenix's Jeff Hornacek – who have history with Hayward and think highly of his talent. Stevens coached Hayward at Butler University, and Hornacek was a Jazz assistant coach before taking over the Suns.

...

Nevertheless, Utah executives Kevin O'Connor and Dennis Lindsey are unlikely to make a deal out of fear of a rival overpaying Hayward on the market. Hayward remains a valued commodity for the Jazz, a player the franchise expects to be a centerpiece for years to come. The question is always, at what price?

Hayward, 23, averaged 14.1 points in 2012-13, his third NBA season. The Jazz have already resigned fellow Class of 2010 draft pick Derrick Favors to a four-year, $47-million extension.

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