The Jazz are expected to meet with veteran forward Bobby Portis once free agency opens, league sources tell Tony Jones of The Athletic (Twitter link). According to Jones, the meeting will likely take place in Los Angeles.
Utah doesn’t project to have any cap room once its acquisition of Mike Conley becomes official, but can open up space by waiving Derrick Favors, who has a non-guaranteed salary of $17MM+. It appears the Jazz are weighing frontcourt options who might be better fits alongside center Rudy Gobert than a non-shooter like Favors.
A report earlier this afternoon indicated that the Jazz had been mulling a three-year offer in the $45MM range for Nikola Mirotic. However, Mirotic has opted to return to Spain, agreeing to a deal with Barcelona.
With a top stretch four like Mirotic off the board, his former teammate Portis could be a fit for what the Jazz are seeking. The Wizards‘ restricted free agent has knocked down three-pointers at a 36.1% rate over the course of his four-year NBA career, including 39.3% last season for Chicago and Washington.
The Knicks also have strong interest in Portis, according to Jones. The Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, and Magic have previously been cited as potential suitors for the 24-year-old, who is said to be seeking an annual salary worth up to $16MM. The Wizards aren’t expected to match a lucrative offer sheet.
Ehhh the guy we want went to Europe? Might as well get the guy who broke his jaw then.
Good move by both parties. Too bad about Mirotic. Some pressure taken off Conley, who is getting a long preseason also.
People are so hard on Favors! True, lousy from 3, but will make someone a fine center. 64% from 2, 8rebs 2blocks 2fouls in 23′, 21PER, +21net, and seems to be over his short season problems… though he plays pretty mellow/efficient now.
Streaky 3pt shooter. Average rebounder. Horrific defender. Y’all can have him. #DCFamily
Portis is gonna be the overpay of 2019
Portis = cancer
Only good if you want him to punch team mates…
Shouldn’t be in the league anymore