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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: Thaddeus Young #21 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: Thaddeus Young #21 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)

Thaddeus Young

Current Team: Indiana Pacers

Status: Unrestricted (Player option)

What I like:

Thaddeus Young would only make sense as a replacement for Derrick Favors at the starting four-spot, but if Faves and the Jazz do decide to part ways, Young could be an excellent fit. Simply put, he’s a winner that isn’t really concerned about his own stats, but rather doing that which is best for the team. He’s a guy that does the little things, such as rebound, hustle, play tough defense, etc. that automatically makes a team better.

Not only that, but he shot 38.1 percent from three last year and has the potential to be precisely the kind of stretch-four threat that the Jazz need without giving up any size or strength on the defensive end. Young is also excellent at stealing the ball (he’s averaged nearly two per game in each of the past four seasons), especially for a big man. On both ends of the court, I could see him being a perfect compliment to the likes of Rudy Gobert and Ricky Rubio.

What I don’t like:

First of all, since Thad has a player option for next season, I suspect he’ll aim to stay put with a Pacers team where he’s found a great home. Considering how tight many teams’ wallets are for next season, he may be hard-pressed to find a team that will pay him more than the $13.7 million he’ll be owed anyway. If he does opt out, it will likely mean he’s seeking a higher salary, and despite all his positives, I don’t know that it would be wise for the Jazz to break the bank on a player of his caliber nearing 30 years old.

Don’t get me wrong, Young has a lot left in the tank and at the right price, I think he’d be an exceptional piece in Utah. However, the Jazz need to be cautious with how they spend their money if they are to truly ascend to the upper echelon of the NBA. Besides that, the only other concern I’d have with Young is perhaps his offensive consistency, but I think that Utah would be able to work him in and utilize him just fine.

Final Thoughts:

I love the idea of Young as a Favors replacement because of his work ethic and stretch-four potential. However, considering the nice amount he’s owed and able to opt in to with his player option, I have a hard time believing he’ll truly end up being available.

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