Utah Jazz: Five intriguing story lines that have emerged from 2018 Playoffs

Derrick Favors’ unrestricted free agency

As intriguing as Dante Exum’s restricted free agency is going to be, I would venture to suggest that Favors’ unrestricted free agency will be even more so. The longest tenured Jazzman has survived a pair of trade deadlines and countless rumors in which many Jazz fans thought he would surely be traded. Nevertheless, he’s stayed with the team and has been low-key one of their most important players.

That was in full effect in the series against Oklahoma City where Derrick’s grit and hustle saved the Jazz on more than one occasion. He’s been one of Utah’s most consistent players in regards to his willingness to sacrifice or play whatever role is required of him by the team. His ability to coexist with Rudy Gobert – a trait many felt would never exist and was a main reason why he was thought of as a prime trade target – has made him invaluable to the Jazz.

So the question becomes, what will come of him in free agency? Of course, if Favors wants out, that’s entirely his choice. There’s nothing the Jazz can do to stop him. That may well be the case. It would be hard to blame him considering the weird roles he’s been put into and the onslaught of rumors that have surrounded him, but he’s also indicated on a couple occasions that he loves being in Salt Lake and playing for the Jazz.

Assuming he does want to stay in Utah and is willing to accept a similar versatile role, then money becomes a complication. Would Favors be willing to take a reduced amount in order to be able to stay on a team that has potential to be really special? Will the Jazz be willing to extend him enough to keep him happy? Do both parties want to come to an agreement?

All those questions make this an interesting story line. The free agency of Exum makes it messy, too. The Jazz know they need to make personnel improvements in order to take another leap toward title contention, but if they pay both Favors and Exum, it could very well prevent them from doing that. If Favors is interested in coming back, it may come down to deciding which of the two the Jazz would rather keep.

Exum’s play against Houston is making that a harder decision, but Favors is a proven talent that has helped carry a significant load for this Jazz team for years.

As I said, this will be an incredible story to watch.