Five Reasons the Utah Jazz Should Pursue Jared Dudley

Mar 11, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 114-93. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 114-93. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) reacts to a call during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 114-93. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) reacts to a call during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 114-93. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Affordability

Without a doubt, I would love to see the Jazz make a splash in free agency. After years of scrimping, saving and building from within, the Jazz are well overdue for a flashy move in the offseason via trade or a significant free agent addition. Adding a player such as Mike Conley would be a welcome sight and a dream come true.

Whether or not a big move like this happens (and of course it most likely won’t), the Jazz can’t just rely on one flashy player, but will undoubtedly need solid role players that don’t break the bank if they hope to make significant improvement. Enter Jared Dudley.

Dudley has made $4.25 million over the each of the past 5 seasons, a very reasonable amount for all of the aforementioned positive impacts that he would bring to the team. While Dudley’s solid play and reputation coupled with the soon-to-explode salary cap may result in his commanding slightly more money, he should still be well within the Jazz’s budget even if they do happen to make a flashy move this summer.

Next: Willingness to Play in Utah