SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 27: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns in action during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on March 27, 2023 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
What point guards could the Utah Jazz see in free agency next season?
The Utah Jazz are heading into the 2023-2024 season without a guaranteed starter at point guard.
The Utah Jazz’s biggest hole on their team is the uncertainty that surrounds the club’s starting point guard role. There will be a sort of competition in camp with Kris Dunn, Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and Talen Horton-Tucker all up for the gig.
The winner will go into the season as the starter at the position, and those that didn’t win will go on to find other roles on the team. Yet, there exists a possibility that none of those men end up securing the job long-term, and come the 2024 offseason, the Jazz are looking for a more fortified pick.
So what big-name free agents could be had for next season?
Well, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are both up for consideration, assuming neither retires or re-signs prior to next summer. Paul’s contract enters the final year of his contract which is non-guaranteed, making him being cut likely. Neither Paul nor Westbrook is ideal at their age, but depending on how this season goes, they may be upgrades over the talent the Jazz currently has.
In the “older but still good” range, we have Spencer Dinwiddie, Tyus Jones, and Jru Holiday. Holiday may be closer to the Westbrook and Paul category of aging vets looking to hang on, but he may still be a Top 10-Top 15 point guard next season. Dinwiddie isn’t great, but he’s serviceable enough that he could bring balance to an offense. Lastly is Jones, who likely won’t come to the Jazz as a starter. If he doesn’t play well in Washington, it’s unlikely any team would want him to start at this point in his career.
There are also a few younger guys, two that stand out are Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic. Both men have made some waves but it’s unlikely the Magic would keep both considering the team’s current setup. The Magic have to worry about those two, plus Jalen Suggs. Either a trade or letting one of them walk is very possible.
While these names don’t jump off the page, they are some of the options the Jazz could chase after next season.
