Report: Celtics have 'real interest' in signing Hayward

The Boston Celtics are ready to make a run at Gordon Hayward next summer.

With the Utah Jazz small forward set to become a free agent in 2017, the Celtics have "real interest" in luring Hayward to Beantown, league sources tell ESPN's Zach Lowe.

Boston is expected to have plenty of cap space to sign Hayward, and could sell the 26-year-old on being reunited with his college coach, Brad Stevens.

Hayward is coming off a career year, averaging 19.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 80 games for the Jazz this past season.

While the Jazz would undoubtedly prefer to keep him, Hayward has shown his willingness to leave Salt Lake City in the past, signing a four-year, $63-million offer sheet with the Charlotte Hornets back in 2014.

Should the Celtics land Hayward, it would mark their second major signing in as many years, having inked Al Horford to a four-year, $113-million max deal this summer.