Jazz GM: 'Every fiber of our collective being' wants Hayward back

The Utah Jazz are commencing a huge offseason. Franchise player Gordon Hayward can opt out of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent, and general manager Dennis Lindsey is well aware of the stakes involved in trying to convince him to stay put.

"Every fiber of our collective being and soul of the Utah Jazz want (Hayward) back," Lindsey told KSL's Andy Larsen on Thursday. "We think it's a great fit."

While Hayward hasn't opted out yet, his absence from any of the three All-NBA Teams is widely expected to make the decision easier. An All-NBA nod would've made the 27-year-old eligible to sign a designated veteran player extension with the Jazz, for significantly more money than he can currently command.

While only the Jazz can still offer him a five-year max deal, with other teams limited to four years, the Boston Celtics are reported to have acute interest in signing the forward. Hayward played under Celts coach Brad Stevens at Butler.

Related: Hayward reportedly the Celtics' 'No. 1 focus' in free agency

Yet Lindsey is banking on the idea that Hayward's connection with the Jazz organization is strong enough that he'll choose the only NBA team he's ever suited up for.

"The day-to-day selling and internal negotiation is a lot more important than balloons, pompoms, and ceremonial stuff," the GM said, citing the role of Hayward's relationships with coach Quin Snyder and other staffers in his improvement as a player.

Losing Hayward would be a huge blow to the Jazz and likely trigger a reset, given the heavy veteran presence on the roster. Point guard George Hill is also a free agent this summer. A group of Jazz fans crowdfunded a campaign to put up billboards in the Salt Lake City area reading "Stayward."