The Jazz are probably going to struggle to win games this season, but they took a step forward tonight in their plan to return to playoff contention, agreeing to terms on a $49MM+ extension with Derrick Favors. He’ll likely sign the extension Saturday, according to an ESPN.com report, and when he does, there will be one fewer intriguing name on the list of players set to become free agents in the summer. There’s more on a couple of potential free agents tonight as we look at the ripple effects of Favors’ deal:
- The Jazz and Mark Bartelstein client Gordon Hayward remain in negotiations on a possible extension, notes Jody Genessy of the Deseret News.
- Favors bought a house in Salt Lake City this summer, and he made it clear then that he wanted to stay in Utah for a long time, Genessy points out in the same piece.
- Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News figures the Favors deal sets the market for Greg Monroe, who appears much more likely to hit free agency next summer than to sign an extension with the Pistons (Twitter link).
- Randy Hollis of the Deseret News examines the play of Favors and Jazz center Enes Kanter as they settle into their new roles as starting big men.