20 free agents that could join Ricky Rubio (and Gordon Hayward) with the Utah Jazz
By Ryan Aston
The Utah Jazz have already pulled off multiple trades this summer, but GM Dennis Lindsey also needs to make a splash in free agency to aid in the team’s efforts to keep Gordon Hayward.
NBA free agency will tip-off on July 1, but the offseason fireworks are well underway. Particularly in the Western Conference where the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a trade to acquire Jimmy Butler and the Houston Rockets snagged future Hall of Famer Chris Paul in an effort to challenge the Golden State Warriors.
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz fired their first offseason salvos by acquiring Donovan Mitchell and Tony Bradley on draft-night. This was followed in short order by Friday’s deal to get Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Still, general manager Dennis Lindsey and Co. have their work cut out for them if they want to keep up with the Joneses.
In order to do so, they’ll need to keep Gordon Hayward in Salt Lake City or find a suitable replacement. In any case, the Jazz have more moves to make. If they hope to be a force in the West again next season, standing pat won’t do. Utah needs to make a splash here and now.
That’s easier said than done, of course, but this year’s free agent class does present some solid potential additions to the Jazz roster. Be it as supplemental pieces behind Hayward, Rubio and Rudy Gobert or as replacements for their outgoing All-Star.
In no particular order, here are some free agents hitting the market on July 1 that should warrant consideration from Utah in one or both of those scenarios.