NBA trade rumors: Phoenix Suns to abandon Gordon Hayward in favor of deal with Sixers for Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor?

Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends against San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena.Reuters/Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

According to the latest wave of NBA trade rumors, the Phoenix Suns will pursue Gordon Hayward of Utah Jazz. However, his team isn't too keen on letting the swingman go.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN, Utah has been rejecting offers from other teams who are looking to acquire Hayward. One of these teams is Phoenix, but the Boston Celtics are allegedly making a case too.

It looks like Phoenix's two lottery picks –No. 4 and No. 13 —aren't enticing enough for the Jazz. It also seems like the team does not want to lose their small forward.

"Utah, sources say, is telling interested teams Gordon Hayward is unavailable," Stein wrote.

Bright Side of the Sun, however, believes that if the Suns really want Hawyard on their team next season, they should make Derrick Favors another one of their NBA trade target too.

That way, the Phoenix lineup of Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, Tyson Chandler, Alex Len and TJ Warren will be far stronger and will easily be a playoff contender.

The Jazz can compensate for losing Hayward with Jaylen Brown, while building up either Dragan Bender or Marquese Chriss into one of its key players.

However, this is envisioned with little hope as it appears that there will be NBA trade deal between the Jazz and Suns or any other interested team for that matter with regards to Hayward.

While Utah isn't too thrilled with striking a deal with the Suns, the Philadelphia 76ers might be and this NBA trade deal will be all about what Phoenix could do with No. 4.

"Phoenix is talking to a lot of teams about a lot of things that would have them maybe moving No. 4, to move out of the draft completely and get a youngish veteran that can come in and contribute right now," Chad Ford of ESPN said (via NJ).

"I think if they can turn this No. 4 pick into a guy who is an immediate contributor, who is young enough to really fit the direction the Suns are going, they're willing to do that," he added.

This is where the Sixers join the picture. Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, whom the team is shopping for other franchises, might have the Suns interested.