Keeping Gordon Hayward in Utah is the top priority for the Jazz this offseason, but re-signing him alone isn’t going to help the team climb in the Western Conference standings, Benjamin Mehic of the Deseret News writes.
The team must also shore up its point guard position. George Hill will be a free agent this summer and the team will have trouble finding a top-notch point guard replacement should he bolt. Hill has expressed a desire to return, as Dana Gauruder of Hoops Rumors mentioned in the team’s offseason preview. However, many players say flattering things about their current team as they head into free agency only to leave for another club.
If Hill is lured away, the most likely option for the Jazz is promoting Dante Exum to the starting unit, though that could hurt the team in the win column since Exum hasn’t quite proven himself in the league yet.
Here’s more from the Northwest:
- Derrick Favors doesn’t appear to be in the Jazz’s long-term plans and if they look to deal him this summer, the Lakers could be a good fit, Mehic contends in the same piece. The scribe believes Jordan Clarkson, who is reportedly on the trade block, would be a nice addition for Utah and he envisions Favors along with one of the team’s draft selections to be enough to get a deal done.
- The Nuggets held a pre-draft workout earlier today, according to their website. Laurynas Birutis, Amida Brimah, Terrance Ferguson, Isaiah Hicks, Amile Jefferson, and Matt Jones were all in attendance.
- The Blazers have brought in several prospects for workouts, according to the team’s website. Antonio Blakeney, John Collins, Josh Hart, T.J. Leaf, Sindarius Thornwell, and Paris Bass all took part in drills for the club.
As the Jazz I would do Favors + the 30th for Clarkson. Mainly b/c I wouldn’t want to re-up Favors and Clarkson has 2 extra years at a reasonable rate. Except I’ve got this guy named Rodney Hood on the team that gives me similar production. If George Hill goes elsewhere, I’d be more inclined to trade for Ricky Rubio, Eric Bledsoe, or Brandon Knight straight up.
The Celtics need a guy like Favors. I wonder if a package involving Marcus Smart would get it done?
If focus on Hayward first.
Isn’t Favors a FA?
He has one more year. UFA in 2018.
O wow. This whole time, I thought he was a FA. Lol that probably makes what I’ve been saying about being interested in him in Miami a little dumb…maybe I thought it was an option year?