Utah Jazz Early Top 5 Potential Free Agent Targets: Power Forwards
By Ryan Aston
Mar 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) is guarded by Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) as he controls the ball at Air Canada Canada Centre. The Trail Blazers beat the Raptors 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Honorable Mention
Obviously, the biggest fish in this summer’s free agent pond is Portland Trail Blazers star LaMarcus Aldridge. Given his proclamation last July that he would re-sign with Portland and wants to go down in history as the “best Blazer ever,” it’s safe to say that Jazz fans shouldn’t expect him to be a possibility here.
Kevin Love could become a free agent, should he decide to decline his player option for next season. As with Aldridge, the chances of him considering Utah are virtually nil.
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The biggest name on the wish list for many fans is former Jazzman Paul Millsap. While his skill set has evolved in such a way that you could get away with playing him at the three, I don’t see that being a great long-term plan and there is simply no way he supplants Favors at the four spot.
Moreover, I don’t see the Jazz being willing to pay the level of salary he will command given their team’s track record with Millsap leading the charge. He’s an Eastern Conference All-Star and deserves his big pay-day, but doesn’t move the needle enough for Lindsey to justify the bill.
It’s a nice thought for sentimental Jazz fans, but that’s all it is or should ever be.
A player that would be a great fit for Snyder’s bench is Indiana Pacers PF David West. Alas, given his age and current rate of decline, I would be stunned if he opted out of the $12.6 Million he would be owed next season.
Brandon Bass and Tristan Thompson will also be available, for those of you that are into that kind of thing.
On to the top five!
Next: 5. Pero Antic, Atlanta Hawks