SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 05: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz and teammate Royce O’Neale #23 talk during a break in the first half of a preseason NBA game against the Adelaide 36ers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 5, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
The near-certain and likely to stay
Let’s kick it off with the players that aren’t going anywhere. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are Utah’s core pair and there’s virtually no chance whatsoever that either is moved this offseason. Both are under contract for the next few years and have expressed nothing but love for staying in Utah.
Even if the Jazz were to receive some mind-blowing trade offer for either one (which I don’t foresee in the slightest), they’d be hard-pressed to make a move considering Mitchell and Gobert have both become so ingrained in the community and identity of the team. Both are as far from on the trade block as you could be. Don’t expect either one to have even the slightest chance of being dealt.
From there, the other players that remain on fully guaranteed contracts for next season are Joe Ingles, Dante Exum, Jae Crowder, Grayson Allen, Tony Bradley and Royce O’Neale. Though Ingles and Crowder may be among two of Utah’s most enticing trade pieces, I’d be surprised to see either of them dealt as they’ve become characteristic pieces of Utah’s gritty culture and mindset. Not only that, but both are on relatively favorable contracts moving forward.
O’Neale would be highly valuable to several teams across the league, but at his minuscule salary (he’s making less than Niang, Bradley, Allen and Raul Neto), not only would the Jazz be foolish to let him go with his high value, but he wouldn’t do much to make salaries line up in a potential deal. I suppose if a team really wanted him, they could make a push for O’Neale and the Jazz could bite, but I have a sense that they hold him in pretty high regard.
In other words, expect Ingles, Crowder and O’Neale to remain with the Jazz next season, though I’d say of those three, Crowder would be the most likely to be traded, followed by Ingles than O’Neale. Though that still seems unlikely.
Dante Exum is an interesting case. He was apparently coveted at the trade deadline including in a potential deal for Mike Conley, but the Utah Jazz didn’t bite. Now that Exum has suffered yet another injury, his trade value has likely dipped yet again. Not only that, but the overwhelming sentiment from those close to the Jazz is that the organization is still high on Dante and believes he can be one of Utah’s critical missing pieces for ascending the West ranks.
With that said, I’d pretty much say plan on Exum remaining a Jazzman in 2019-20.
With Allen and Bradley, things become a little less clear. While both are under contract, I could see Allen being an easy trade inclusion if the Jazz needed to match salaries and/or throw in some young and athletic talent. You could argue the same for Bradley, though with his underwhelming play up to this point, it wouldn’t be shocking if Utah opted to waive him and move on to free up a roster spot.
Time will tell what comes of each of these players under contract, but if I had to order the guys outside of Mitchell and Gobert in order of most likely to remain with the Jazz next season to least likely, here’s how I would order it:
- Royce O’Neale
- Joe Ingles
- Dante Exum
- Jae Crowder
- Grayson Allen
- Tony Bradley
With that said about the guys under contract, let’s now transition and look at free agent and non-guaranteed contract types whose futures are even more uncertain.
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<p>— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba/status/1123962957401067520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 2, 2019</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>With that said, I’d pretty much say plan on Exum remaining a Jazzman in 2019-20.</p>
<p>With Allen and Bradley, things become a little less clear. While both are under contract, I could see Allen being an easy trade inclusion if the Jazz needed to match salaries and/or throw in some young and athletic talent. You could argue the same for Bradley, though with his underwhelming play up to this point, it wouldn’t be shocking if Utah opted to waive him and move on to free up a roster spot.</p>
<p>Time will tell what comes of each of these players under contract, but if I had to order the guys outside of Mitchell and Gobert in order of most likely to remain with the Jazz next season to least likely, here’s how I would order it:</p>
<ol>
<li>Royce O’Neale</li>
<li>Joe Ingles</li>
<li>Dante Exum</li>
<li>Jae Crowder</li>
<li>Grayson Allen</li>
<li>Tony Bradley</li>
</ol>
<p>With that said about the guys under contract, let’s now transition and look at free agent and non-guaranteed contract types whose futures are even more uncertain.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Restricted two-way guys </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 2: Naz Mitrou-Long #30 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Houston Rockets on February 2, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Restricted two-way guys</h3>
<p>Both <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cavanty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Tyler Cavanaugh</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mitrona01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Naz Mitrou-Long</a> are restricted free agents for the Jazz, meaning the team will get the first opportunity to retain the both of them. Obviously as largely G-League participants on their two-way contracts, they weren’t necessarily vital to Utah’s success this season.</p>
<p>With such being the case, I think there’s a pretty good chance that Utah may find another pair of players that they want to aim to develop and give a shot to. Both have been in the league for a couple years now without distinguishing themselves all that much, so it may be time to search for other diamonds in the rough elsewhere.</p>
<p>If that were the case, both could very well remain on the Salt Lake City Stars, but without a guaranteed two-way contract.</p>
<p>On the flip side, if Utah still likes what it sees in the pair and doesn’t want to fritter away the development they’ve put into them, it’s possible that they keep them around and see if either can blossom into the next Georges Niang. Both have shown out in the G-League and have the ability to be prolific knock-down shooters, but whether or not they’ll have enough to remain on an NBA roster will be the true challenge.</p>
<p>Personally, I think Utah will move on from at least one and potentially both of them. Each new year brings about a new cycle of talent and the Jazz may very well aim to keep hold of a new under-the-radar talent who they hope will move the needle for them down the road. Sadly, I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if we’ve seen the last of Cavanaugh and Mitrou-Long in Jazz uniforms.</p>
<p><strong>Verdict: Likely both gone</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Georges Niang </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-76410" src=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1141030121-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 23: Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on March 23, 2019 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Georges Niang</h3>
<p>Georges Niang, whose contract isn’t guaranteed for 2019-20, had an up and down season where he found himself with and without playing time throughout the year. When <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sefolth01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Thabo Sefolosha</a> was out earlier in the year, Niang found himself in the rotation. However, later on minutes would become hard to come by for a while. But then in the playoffs, he found himself contributing yet again.</p>
<p>He had some nice moments in the playoffs, but overall he wasn’t all that efficient. However, he did shoot a promising 41 percent from deep in 59 games played in the regular season, so I’d say he did an admirable job of proving his worth, especially at a salary of just over $1.5 million. His athletic shortcomings will likely prevent him from ever being a key part of the rotation, but his energy, long-range shooting ability and basketball IQ keep him an intriguing role player off the bench.</p>
<p>Considering that the Jazz have options on his contract moving forward, they could decide to let him walk if they need a roster spot or trade him to sweeten a deal. However, I believe the Jazz like what they’ve found in Niang and are likely to hold on to him. Especially for a team that lacks shooting prowess, Georges is a nice fall-back option, particularly when he could be retained for pennies on the dollar over the course of the next two seasons.</p>
<p>This is far from a guarantee as Niang isn’t anything close to crucial for the Jazz, but considering how well he’s developed, how efficient his contract is and the potential that still remains in him, I predict that the Jazz will very well bring Georges back yet again to continue to be a part of what they hope will transform into a complete and promising roster.</p>
<p>My guess is if he is on a new team next year, it’ll be because Utah included him as extra value in a trade package, not because they simply turned him away.</p>
<p><strong>Verdict: Likely to stay</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Raul Neto </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-76411" src=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1140150086-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1140150086-850x560.jpeg 850w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1140150086-768x507.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 01: Raul Neto #25 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets in a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 01, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Raul Neto</h3>
<p>When Raul Neto was on the floor, he actually had a very solid season. He put up career-highs in field goal percentage and assists and nearly matched his career-best scoring mark from his rookie season despite playing nearly six minutes fewer per game. Neto was steady as a backup and as gritty and reliable as ever when he received opportunities.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>Unfortunately, the time that he was able to be on the floor was far too limited as Neto was plagued with an onslaught of injuries for the second straight season, this time limiting him to just 37 games played. Considering that Neto’s contract is non-guaranteed for next season, the Jazz may face a tough decision for him.</p>
<p>As much as I’ve loved having Neto around and appreciate the way in which he plays the game, unfortunately his injury history has rendered him far too unreliable. Factor in that Utah will need roster spots if they are to add upgrades, that they hope Dante Exum will finally be able to play the backup point and that between Mitchell, O’Neale, Ingles and potentially Allen (assuming the latter three aren’t traded) they have plenty of wing depth, and Neto looks far from necessary, especially considering how rarely he’s actually been able to suit up.</p>
<p>He’s been everything you could ask for in a backup point guard, and if the injury gods smiled upon him more kindly, he may very well stay put. Unfortunately, I’m feeling relatively confident that Neto will find himself on the outside looking in as the Jazz aim to upgrade their roster. Though his contract isn’t particularly burdensome, his inability to stay healthy certainly is and his roster spot will very likely be prioritized to someone new – be it an incoming free agent or a player under contract the Jazz prefer to keep.</p>
<p><strong>Verdit: Likely gone</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Two unrestricted vets </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-76412" src=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F873835876-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 13: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is fouled going for the basket by Thabo Sefolosha #22 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 13, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ekpe Udoh #33 of the Utah Jazz was helping on defense. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Two unrestricted vets</h3>
<p>The summer that <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/haywago01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Gordon Hayward</a> departed Utah, the Jazz were forced to pivot quickly and essentially sign anybody that they could. In so doing, they found themselves with Thabo Sefolosha and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/u/udohek01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Ekpe Udoh</a>. Both were signed to flexible contracts that gave the Jazz plenty of options with them. Last season, both those team options were picked up. Now, both are set to come off the books to give the Jazz flexibility and each is facing unrestricted free agency.</p>
<p>And while both have played a role the past two seasons as savvy vets, solid backups and helpful mentors, neither is anywhere close to vital. Not only that, but even if Utah wanted to keep them, as unrestricted free agents the choice is completely in their own hands.</p>
<p>Sefolosha already made it clear that he will keep his options open. Ekpe Udoh likely already knows he’s aiming for a new destination.</p>
<p>In short, if the Jazz plan to make upgrades, the roster spots of Sefolosha and Udoh seem all but guaranteed to be among the first to open up. Neither was all that impactful come playoff time, nor are they pushing the needle for the Jazz to compete with the best of the best. Factor in that they’re also unrestricted, and I don’t see much of a realistic chance at all that either remains on the Jazz roster in 2019-20.</p>
<p><strong>Verdict: Likely both gone</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The aging vet </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 22: Kyle Korver #26 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Houston Rockets during Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2019 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>The aging vet</h3>
<p>Technically, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/korveky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kyle Korver</a> is still under contract for next season. However, only a portion of his contract is guaranteed should the Jazz opt to cut their losses and move on from him. Perhaps even more likely, though, is that Korver may finally hang up his shoes from the game he loves.</p>
<p>In his end-of-season interview, Korver made it clear that contemplating retirement is a serious possibility that he’s facing. He expressed his fatigue unabashedly and made it clear that family and other life considerations are weighing heavily on his mind. At 38 years old, it would be no surprise if he opted to finally throw in the towel.</p>
<p>If he did so, obviously he would be gone and Utah wouldn’t have to worry about the second year of his contract. However, if Kyle wants back, then the Jazz face a tougher decision.</p>
<p>There’s no questioning that the gravity he created on offense was incredible for the Jazz. Korver’s mere presence as a 3-point threat revolutionized Utah’s play on that end of the floor. However, he also shot one of the lowest marks of his career from deep with the Jazz this season (though 38.4 percent is nothing to balk at) and he essentially disappeared in the playoffs with an injured knee.</p>
<p>Not only that, but if one of Utah’s goals this summer is to add playmaking and 3-point shooting, both of which will check the same box Korver did of spacing the floor, but in a much more prolific way than the aging vet can, he suddenly wouldn’t appear to be nearly as critical. If the Jazz are able to find just the right matches in free agency, Kyle’s shooting ability would suddenly seem unnecessary and outweighed by his age and lack of athleticism.</p>
<p>So Korver’s future in Utah likely depends on two things. One – whether or not he decides to simply retire. And two – how the Jazz fare in free agency.</p>
<p>The only way I see Korver back is if he decides he wants one more complete season with the Jazz and if the Jazz can’t find the necessary shooting they covet in free agency, thus they deem it necessary to keep him and his sniper ability on the roster, despite other shortcomings. Sure, he could also decide to return and Utah could bite the bullet and keep his contract, but I find that less than plausible.</p>
<p>And with so much uncertainty, I’m honestly thinking it’s pretty unlikely Korver returns, and wouldn’t be one bit shocked to see him retire. Either way, I have a feeling we’ve seen Kyle’s last dance as a Jazzman already.</p>
<p><strong>Verdict: Likely gone</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Ricky Rubio </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-76414" src=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1145960432-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 24: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz reacts in the second half during Game Five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center on April 24, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Ricky Rubio</h3>
<p>The other remaining unrestricted free agent the Jazz have is <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rubiori01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Ricky Rubio</a>. And he represents one of their toughest dilemmas this summer. Most would argue that the Jazz need a serious upgrade at the point guard spot and that keeping Ricky Rubio simply doesn’t fit Utah’s best interest. Others may claim that Rubio has shown immense moments of promise, and if he had another shooter in the starting lineup rather than playing alongside non-shooters <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/favorde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Derrick Favors</a> and Rudy Gobert, he could be prolific.</p>
<p>I see the argument in that latter point, but unfortunately I also think Rubio’s time in Utah has simply run its course. He likely has interest in returning as he was visibly elated to not be dealt at the deadline and he has expressed nothing but love for remaining with this team. However, the simple fact of the matter is the Jazz need a point guard who can do more than just run the offense and pass the ball. They need one that can put pressure on opposing defenses, create a shot and, ideally, defend as well.</p>
<p>Rubio hasn’t done a good job of checking any of those boxes. And his frustrating inconsistency as well as his shooting decline from a season ago were both very much detrimental to the Jazz all season. Some Jazz fans have expressed a hope that Rubio could be retained on the team he loves to embrace a role off the bench at a discounted price. As nice as that could be in theory, I just don’t see it happening.</p>
<p>Despite his shortcomings, Rubio has too much to offer to simply settle for a bench role when there are most certainly teams that would pay him well to be their starting floor general. There is a chance that the Jazz make upgrades elsewhere in the roster such as at the three or four-spot, then opt to keep Rubio around, but I don’t see that happening. He was on the trade block at the deadline for a reason and I believe enhancing the point will be a main area of focus this summer.</p>
<p>When and if that happens, there will be no room left for Rubio on the squad as he’ll almost certainly pursue the best opportunity for him in terms of financial wellness and playing time. Rubio’s been a great Jazzman for the past two years, but that will likely come to a difficult end this summer.</p>
<p><strong>Verdict: Likely gone</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Derrick Favors </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-76332" src=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1137832777-850x560.jpeg" alt="Derrick Favors Utah Jazz 2019 NBA Playoffs Houston Rockets" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 17: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz speaks to the media after Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets on April 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Derrick Favors</h3>
<p>There have been so many times throughout Derrick Favors’ tenure with the Utah Jazz that I believed him long gone, including several trade deadlines and at free agency. Nevertheless, he has remained with the team and the team has stayed true to him.</p>
<p>Though he’s accepted a role that’s well below what he’s capable of, he’s in a situation that he loves on a team where he’s played a crucial part albeit in less minutes than he might deserve.</p>
<p>Once again this summer, I’m tempted to say that the Jazz may finally opt to part ways with Favors. After all, his contract isn’t guaranteed if Utah needs to clear space, or he’d also be an ideal trade piece for a team looking for an incredible talent and value.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, based on comments from Favors and Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey, who called Favors a ‘part of the solution’ despite many wondering about his perceived awkward fit next to fellow twin tower Rudy Gobert, I have a hunch he will remain in Salt Lake City yet again. Lindsey’s comments on Favors are also what lead me to believe that Rubio has played his last contest as a member of the Jazz, since if Favors isn’t a main one viewed as the problem, there’s little doubt where else that problem could lie.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ICYMI: Derrick Favors says he wants to be back. His teammates want him back. GM Dennis Lindsey said he's "not part of the problem, he's part of the solution." And yet, many believe the Jazz's best way to improve is letting him go. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://t.co/w8JTngtgHB">https://t.co/w8JTngtgHB
<p>— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1124733054960820224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 4, 2019</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Despite questions about starting him next to Gobert, Favors has come up big for the Jazz on several occasions, especially in the playoffs where he’s been the hero of many contests the past three seasons. He allows flexibility for the Jazz at the four and five as he can help defend big lineups as a power forward and defend smaller lineups at the center.</p>
<p>In some occasions, as we saw clearly in Game 4 against the Houston Rockets this season, Favors is far and above the better fit over Gobert. He’s more than just a backup center, he’s a starting-caliber force that the Jazz rely on for defense, rebounding (especially on the offensive end), hustle and frontcourt scoring. His offensive repertoire is also much more expansive than Rudy’s which at times is something Utah desperately needs.</p>
<p>It would be quite ironic if the one time I change my tune and presume that Favors is going to stay ends up being the time he’s finally dealt or let go. And, to be frank, depending how the offseason plays out, that could turn out to be exactly the case. The Jazz have to make changes if they want to advance. And if those changes require moving on from Derrick Favors, the Jazz could very well have their hand forced to take that risk.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, I’m still feeling quite confident that Favors will actually be retained once all is said and done. He’s been much more vital than he’s given credit for and his questionable fit with Gobert could be potentially completely mitigated if the Jazz add just one more player, particularly a point guard, who can space the floor and create with the ball in his hands.</p>
<p>It’s far from conceivable that the Jazz could land enough star power in free agency to push both Rubio and Favors out, so barring a trade, I believe it’s most likely that Utah’s additions this summer will be enough to push Ricky out, but that it will be the right combo to allow Favors to stay.</p>
<p><strong>Verdict: Very well could be gone, but predicting him to stay</strong></p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Utah Jazz 2019 free agent targets: 12 players, 3 tiers" data-url="https://thejnotes.com/2019/03/13/utah-jazz-2019-free-agent-targets-12-players-3-tiers/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/05/04/utah-jazz-who-will-and-wont-be-back-next-season/2/"https://thejnotes.com/2019/03/13/utah-jazz-2019-free-agent-targets-12-players-3-tiers/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Utah Jazz 2019 free agent targets: 12 players, 3 tiers </a> </div>
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<p>Favors is likely the hardest to predict of all, and I could be dead wrong on my belief that the Jazz keep him. In fact, depending on what opportunities arise and how aggressive Dennis Lindsey gets this summer, any or all of these predictions could be far from correct.</p>
<p>However, to recap, I believe we’ll likely see the Jazz roster comprise of Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles, Derrick Favors, Dante Exum, Jae Crowder, Grayson Allen, Georges Niang and Royce O’Neale while parting ways with Naz Mitrou-Long, Tyler Cavanaugh, Tony Bradley, Raul Neto, Ekpe Udoh, Thabo Sefolosha, Kyle Korver and Ricky Rubio. Of that group, I could see Crowder, Allen, Ingles, Niang and possibly Favors as most probable trade options, but I’m not expecting them gone.</p>
<p>Feel free to keep score on my predictions all summer long.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">