Gordon Hayward tells Jazz he is declining option to become free agent

— -- Utah Jazz star swingman Gordon Hayward formally notified the team Thursday that he is declining his $16.7 million player option for next season to become an unrestricted free agent, according to league sources.

Hayward had a Thursday deadline to make the decision and, according to league sources, will visit the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat once free agency starts Saturday at 12:01 AM ET before granting a face-to-face recruiting meeting with the Jazz.

ESPN reported earlier this month that the Heat concerned the Jazz as much as Boston in free agency, but the Celtics have since amped up their interest in the former Butler star, who played collegiately under Boston coach Brad Stevens.

The Celtics, sources say, have been focused in recent days on trying to secure a free-agent commitment from Hayward and then trying to complete a trade for Indiana's Paul George, in hopes of infusing their roster with two All-Stars ?and potentially assembling another superteam in the Golden State mode by adding those two alongside All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas and former All-Star Al Horford.

But league sources say that the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers all remain in trade pursuit of George, which could enhance Utah's odds of keeping Hayward.

?The Celtics and Heat can offer Hayward a four-year maximum deal valued at $127 million. Only the Jazz can offer a five-year deal worth an estimated $180 million.