The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: A far-too-early look at potential free agent targets this summer

By Jared Woodcox

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 07: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 7, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 07: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 7, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 2: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic speaks to media after game against the Detroit Pistons on March 2, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 2: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic speaks to media after game against the Detroit Pistons on March 2, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Aaron Gordon

Current Team: Orlando Magic

Status: Restricted

What I like:

Aaron Gordon is set to be one of the most highly sought after young talents this summer and for good reason. He’s proven himself as a versatile and dynamic scorer with the athleticism and size to be a force on both ends of the floor. From a fit standpoint, I think he would be perfect at the four-spot alongside Rudy Gobert as he could stretch the floor, but also create his own shot and punish opponents in a variety of ways, including as an avid rebounder.

Not to mention, the Orlando Magic seem to have a track record for seeing their former players improve the moment they start playing for a different team. Gordon clearly has tons of untapped potential, and if the Jazz can tap into that, there’s no telling just how high his ceiling could be.

What I don’t like:

The biggest thing with Aaron Gordon is pretty much the same scenario as with Jabari Parker. I’d love to have him magically transported onto the Jazz roster as I think he would be an ideal fit in Quin Snyder’s system. However, as a restricted free agent, the Magic ultimately control his fate and can match any offer that comes his way.

With that being the case, it’s entirely possible that an offer sufficient to pry him away could very well turn out to be far more than Gordon ends up being worth. He has a lot of potential, but also a lot of room to improve. If that improvement never really comes, it will have been a lost investment. Gordon needs to show better discipline and consistency at times before he will truly be among the league’s elite.

Final Thoughts:

Honestly, if Aaron Gordon and Jabari Parker were available at the same price, I’d take Gordon over Parker due to his less spotty injury history. However, I have a feeling that, just like Parker, Gordon will be out of Utah’s price range and likely simply retained by his current team.

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