Report: Hayward is Celtics' 'No. 1 focus' in free agency

The Boston Celtics' "No. 1 focus" in the offseason is signing Gordon Hayward should the Utah Jazz forward become an unrestricted free agent, sources told The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Hayward can opt out of his current contract by July 1. He wasn't named to any of the three All-NBA teams on Thursday. Had he made one of the squads, he would have been eligible for a designated player extension contract - only with the Jazz - in 2018 worth upward of $210 million over five years.

Now, it's likely Hayward will seek a raise by opting out. He would have needed to make one of the All-NBA teams and opt in to be eligible for the extension.

The Celtics, in addition to being contenders with a wealth of future assets, are coached by Hayward's college bench boss, Brad Stevens.

Utah fans chanted Hayward's name after the Jazz were eliminated from the playoffs this month, and have paid to put up billboards in Salt Lake City reading "Stayward."

Hayward, 27, blossomed into an All-Star this season, averaging a career-high 21.9 points and 5.4 rebounds on 47.1 percent shooting.