Everything comes down to situation. If the Jazz were just starting a rebuild and had little talent on their team, I would pay Hayward the max. His contract wouldn't hurt the long-term plans and he would ease the rebuild because he's a young veteran with talent. If the Jazz had one or two established stars on long-term deals, were in title contention, and had little cap space, I would again pay Hayward the max. BUT, in the current situation I would NOT pay him the max. We are at a point in building this team that if we want to win a championship we need to hold as many assets and as much financial flexibility as possible until a trade/FA signing presents itself that can take most of this young team to the next level. We can't do that if we sign Hayward to the max. What do we do after Hayward signs? Let Hood (a player who has the same potential ability as Hayward) and Favors walk? We need to pay Gobert as well, likely the max. So where does a team of Gobert, Hayward, and couple of other guys get you? First or second round every year? Or do we exercise bird rights on the guys we can and go over the tax to keep most of this team together? Can this current group ever become a championship team? See the problem? If you sign Hayward now you lose assets, financial flexibility, or both. Hayward is a good player but does he move the needle so much that you risk everything on keeping him?
If Hayward were moved for good assets there is a possibility the Jazz can keep all of their other young assets without financial strain. You keep assets, you keep flexibility, and you are still a damn good team. Hood can become a similar player to Hayward, he's shown that.
