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

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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 07: Trevor Booker #20 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Utah Jazz 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: Trevor Booker #20 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Utah Jazz 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)

Trevor Booker

Current Team: Indiana Pacers

Status: Unrestricted

What I like:

Especially among Utah Jazz fans, there’s a lot to like about Trevor Booker. He worked his way into the hearts of the Utah faithful with an unrelenting hustle, a love of the city and team, and an exceptional, hard-working attitude. Booker brings a winning presence and veteran experience to any team by doing the little things and elevating his teammates.

And considering that he just signed a veteran’s minimum deal to help push a young Pacers team into the playoffs, there’s a good chance that once he hits free agency, he’ll be willing to join the right team for a very manageable price. A Jazz-Booker reunion would be well-received by Jazz fans and his former teammates, while preserving Utah’s already incredible chemistry.

What I don’t like:

Depending what other moves happen this summer, I don’t know that Booker is exactly what the Jazz need from a positional standpoint. They already have Thabo Sefolosha and Jonas Jerebko who can play the backup four and if Utah were to move on from Derrick Favors, Booker wouldn’t be the replacement as the starter, instead he’d be just another power forward off the bench.

While he helps in several areas, he’s also not the three-point threat that Utah would want in a potential stretch-four. Unless they make some significant changes, adding him to their frontcourt wouldn’t exactly be top priority or the best use of a roster spot.

Final Thoughts:

I absolutely love Trevor Booker and would be thrilled to see him in a Jazz uniform again. Unfortunately, I don’t know that it would make the most sense for either side at this point.