Utah Jazz Free Agency Primer 2016
By Ryan Aston
Help on the Wings
Once again, with Hill now in the Jazz fold, the need to bloster wing depth–which was a major issue last season–has lessened somewhat. The former Spur and Pacer is the prototypical combo guard and can be expected to play off the ball and on the wings in addition to running point.
Still, given concerns about Alec Burks‘ durability, Chris Johnson‘s likely departure and the overall need to add talent for a playoff push, the Jazz could probably use another quality veteran in the rotation.
In the days before free agency began, the team was linked to three such players–Jared Dudley, Solomon Hill and Luol Deng. After free agency opened, It was also reported that Moe Harkless was on the team’s radar.
Hill and Harkless are interesting as younger players who could be long-term options for the Jazz. The 25-year-old Hill averaged four points and three rebounds in limited action for the Indiana Pacers last season, shows good energy on the floor and has yet to fulfill his potential as a shooter.
(Update: Hill has reportedly agreed to a 4 yr./$52 million deal with New Orleans)
Harkless, meanwhile, is 23 years old and averaged six points per game for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2015-16. He lacks a consistent outside shot, but is a good athlete, has size (6-foot-9, 215 lbs.) and is a strong defender; all things the Jazz covet.
The Utah Jazz met with free agent forward Jared Dudley tonight, league sources tell The Salt Lake Tribune
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) July 1, 2016
As for Dudley, he may well be the team’s top free agent target. According to reports, the Jazz made contact with him as free agency began and, as a 40-plus percent three-point shooter with the ability to play the three, the four and even the two in some circumstances, he brings a lot to the table as a veteran presence.
Moreover, Dudley himself cited the Jazz as a good fit for his skill set.
(Update: Dudley has agreed to sign with the Phoenix Suns.)
If you’re going to brave the market and pay a veteran player $12-16 million per year on a two or three-year deal, he could be the guy you do it for.
Of course, you could make a similar case for Deng, although he may command a greater salary obligation than Dudley. Still, Deng has been coveted by the Jazz before, is a strong defensive player and can play as a stretch four, as well as on the wings. He averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game for the Heat last season.
One thing I'm told as free agency approaches: Marvin Williams is not opposed to returning to Utah, if the Jazz show interest
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) July 1, 2016
Another interesting option is former Jazzman Marvin Williams, who has apparently indicated he would be open to returning to Utah.
Next: The Crazy Point Guard Situation