It is anticipated the Jazz are going to have a little over $21 million for free agency next season. Assuming they pick up Trevor Booker's option ($4.75 million) that will leave them with a little over $16 million and not many holes to fill.
Initially, I believe the prevailing opinion was that they need to get a wing to pair with Gordon Hayward that can hit 3 pointers and play defense. However, given the late season emergence of Rodney Hood, where he shot 42% from the three after the all-star break, Alec Burks returning from injury, and the solid play of Millsap and Ingles, I'm not sure the Jazz need to add a wing. I also don't want Rodney Hood pushed further down the bench.
Wes Matthews coming off a career year was initially a popular pick for the Jazz to sign, but he tore his achilles toward the end of the year and that injury has been known to ruin careers.
Here's my list of the top free-agents at a wing position that are actually a possibility for the Jazz:
1. Danny Green
2. Khris Middleton (Restricted, a max offer might get him)
3. Wes Matthews
4. Demarre Carroll
5. Monta Ellis (Will likely require a max contract and Dallas deciding to rebuild)
6. Gerald Green
7. Louis Williams
8. Mike Dunleavy
It is an intriguing list if nothing else.
The big question mark with fans right now though is the PG position. Will Exum take the necessary big step forward? Most people are also convinced Trey Burke is not the answer. The problem is, there isn't a great answer in free-agency at the PG either.
Here's my list of top PG free agents available:
1. Brandon Knight (Restricted, Phoenix will likely match any offer)
2. Reggie Jackson (Restricted, Detroit will likely match any offer)
3. Rajon Rondo
4. Patrick Beverly
5. Jeremy Lin
6. Mo Williams
7. Aaron Brooks
8. CJ Watson
9. Beno Udrih
10. Jameer Nelson
11. Norris Cole
12. Cory Joseph
Does anyone off the list excite you as someone to mentor the Jazz youth and lead them through the playoffs? I don't think so. Especially with the locker room cancer Rondo proved to be this past season.
Other viable free-agency candidates could be:
(I'm not a fan of these because I don't want anyone that would demand minutes from Favors or Gobert)
1. Draymond Green
2. Paul Millsap
3. Jeff Green
4. Tobias Harris
We can never rule out a trade either. Especially considering the Jazz have this year's lottery pick and future 1st round picks for the Thunder and Warriors in their back pocket.
So what should they do- Spend all their money one guy? Spread it out for two decent players? Save their money? Personally, I'm on the Danny Green (first) or Khris Middleton (second) bandwagon. Even though the Jazz look solid at wing one of these guys would help a lot. Then the Jazz would just need to hope and pray that Exum shows a lot of improvement and Trey Burke can play within himself to solidify the PG position. I also expect the Jazz to bring in a veteran at PG more for a mentor role than actual playing time. They also need to add a backup big man but I plan on them using something like the mid-level exception to pick one up if needed.
The Jazz already are not far off. They were the 3rd youngest team in the NBA last season at an average age of 23.9 . Everyone is getting a year older and they went 19-10 after the All-Star Break.
It's going to be an exciting off-season for Jazz fans.
- Brendan
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