Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward can become a free agent on July 1, if he declines his 2017-18 player option worth $16.7 million. That is the likeliest scenario and, due to his relationship with Brad Stevens, most followers of the situation believe Hayward will either re-sign with the Jazz or leave and sign with the Boston Celtics. When asked on Sunday, Hayward said he's just concentrating on helping the Jazz this season.

"I think you handle it by not really worrying about it, to be honest," Hayward told the Boston Herald. "For me, I’m focused on the Jazz and what we’re doing and trying to win basketball games.

"Ultimately, if you focus on that, it’ll help you out in free agency more than anything. So you can’t be worried about it. That’s why I hire an agent, to deal with that type of stuff."

Whether Hayward signs a five-year deal with the Jazz or four years with the Celtics, he may ink a max deal in July that will start around $30 million as a seven-year NBA veteran.

"It does feel strange," said Hayward. "It’s weird. You know, you get fans tweeting at you throughout the year, telling you to come to their city -- different things like that. But that’s not something you can worry about."

Hayward has made 50 appearances this season and is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

-- Nick Silva