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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Tyreke Evans

Current Team: Memphis Grizzlies

Status: Unrestricted

What I like:

Tyreke Evans has had a lot of ups and downs throughout his career, but he’s been phenomenal for the Memphis Grizzlies this season. At 19.4 points per game on 45.3 percent shooting from the field and nearly 40 percent from deep, he’s turned into a versatile scorer capable of doing damage in a number of ways. Add that kind of player to the already daunting duo of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, and the Jazz could really be on to something.

Not only that, but Evans is still just 28 years old and when placed in Utah’s exceptional player development system, I could see him further blossoming and taking advantage of his skills to an even greater level. Evans could be a dynamic sixth man or perhaps the starter at the three-spot. Either way, I love his potential fit.

He’ll likely command a significant pay raise this summer due to how well he’s played, and after failing to move him at the deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies could look to retain him, but given that he’s unrestricted, if he likes the idea of joining the Jazz, they’ll be powerless to stop him.

What I don’t like:

My biggest concern with Evans, besides not knowing what kind of salary he’ll command on the open market next season, is his consistency. If the Jazz got this year’s version of Evans who’s putting up nearly 20 points per game on a nightly basis, he’d be a phenomenal pickup. However, the New Orleans version of Evans was far from that.

Not only that, but he is currently dealing with a rib injury and has had some noteworthy injury concerns in the past, so health may be somewhat of a concern as he enters free agency. Then again, he looked great all season prior to this latest setback, which may in reality be a convenient, but not that serious, ailment that’s providing the tanking Grizzlies with an excuse to sideline him.

Final Thoughts:

There’s some risks involved with pursuing Tyreke Evans and because of them, the Jazz shouldn’t over pay for him. Nevertheless, he’s one of my top choices for Utah to pursue this summer as an under-the-radar target that could turn into a major contributor.

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