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Hornets extend offer sheet to Gordon Hayward; Jazz have until Sunday night to match

Associated Press
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FILE - In this March 24, 2014 file photo, Utah Jazz's Gordon Hayward (20) shoots in the second half during an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, in Salt Lake City. A person close to the situation says restricted free agent Hayward has agreed to a maximum offer sheet with the Charlotte Hornets that would pay the small forward $63 million over the next four years. The Jazz would have three days to match the deal once Hayward officially signs the offer sheet. The person commented to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday, July 9, 2014, because Hayward can't officially sign the offer sheet until Thursday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this April 17, 2014 file photo, Utah Jazz's Gordon Hayward speaks to the media in Salt Lake City. A person close to the situation says restricted free agent Hayward has agreed to a maximum offer sheet with the Charlotte Hornets that would pay the small forward $63 million over the next four years. The Jazz would have three days to match the deal once Hayward officially signs the offer sheet. The person commented to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday, July 9, 2014, because Hayward can't officially sign the offer sheet until Thursday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) (The Associated Press)

Hornets general manager Rich Cho says the team has extended an offer sheet to free agent Gordon Hayward.

The deal signed Thursday would pay the small forward $63 million over the next four years. The Jazz have until 11:59 p.m. Sunday to match the offer and retain Hayward.

By signing the offer sheet, the sign and trade possibility with the Jazz is no longer an option.

The 6-foot-8 Hayward averaged career highs of 16.2 points, 5.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals last season while leading his team in scoring and minutes played.

The ninth overall pick in the 2010 draft, Hayward has played all four seasons in Utah scoring in double figures 63 times with nine double-doubles while averaging 12 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists.