“In a very odd way,” Lindsey said, “I’m pleased that that (rumor) was put out.”
(“Hayward has expressed his unhappiness in Utah and the Jazz are attempting to accommodate him per league sources. …")
Hayward’s agent called the Jazz GM and was concerned about the quickly spreading rumor. For one reason, Lindsey explained ... Hayward wouldn’t want Jazz fans to think that he’s betraying them.
“This will disappoint him and upset him because he’s very loyal to Utah and the Jazz fans,” agent Mark Bartelstein said, according to the general manager.
Added Lindsey: “What our fans think of him is important to him.”
Upon Bartelstein’s recommendation, Lindsey sought out Hayward earlier this week while the small forward was doing a balance routine during a workout at the practice facility. Snyder joined them for the impromptu meeting.
Lindsey said Hayward wasn’t aware of the spreading rumor, but the three key Jazz figures proceeded to engage in a productive conversation. They talked about the Olympics, about Hayward’s wife, about his preparation and, although Lindsey didn’t elaborate, they most certainly chatted about things the team captain would like to see happen with his Utah team.
“He was able to say a bunch of stuff and we were able to say a bunch of things, and Quin and I got a big, sweaty hug. It was all good,” Lindsey said. “In a weird way, the fact that it was put out there allowed us to say a few things that we probably wouldn’t have said otherwise.”
“There was a huge positive that came out of it,” Lindsey said. “Whoever started (the rumor), I would just thank them. A couple of neat things came out of it.”
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Alle haben sich lieb in Utah :love3: