The Utah Jazz have reportedly had exploratory conversations with unrestricted free agent and former Jazzman Trevor Booker.
Since the opening of NBA free agency at 12:01 AM ET on July 1, the chatter surrounding the Utah Jazz has been all about keeping the team’s homegrown talents in-house. The Jazz are expected to meet with Derrick Favors on Sunday in hopes of re-signing him and keeping combo guard Dante Exum also remains a priority.
However, Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey’s field of vision isn’t limited to his own players. He and his brain trust are talking with agents and players all around the Association. One of which has a little bit of history with the team.
Per The Salt Lake Tribune’s Tony Jones, the Jazz have reached out to unrestricted free agent Trevor Booker.
Jones maintains that dialogue between the two parties has been exploratory. Also — the Jazz are one of several teams to have inquired about his services.
The Utah Jazz have reached out to unrestricted free agent forward Trevor Booker, league sources tell The Salt Lake Tribune. Booker has previously played for the Jazz
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) July 1, 2018
The 30-year-old Booker previously spent two seasons with the Jazz from 2014-16. In 158 games with the team, he averaged 6.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20 minutes per contest; he also shot 49 percent from the field and 33 percent from distance.
Booker was a popular player during his two-year stint in Utah, making a name for himself with his hustle and energy on the floor. He was also a vocal presence in the locker room. Moreover, he’s a character fit for Utah’s organizational values.
All of the aforementioned traits could make him a strong add to the Jazz bench.
I considered him a waiver-wire player to watch last February after his contract was bought out the Philadelphia 76ers. Ultimately, it was the Indiana Pacers that brought Booker in for the stretch run.
The 6-foot-8 forward began the 2017-18 season with the Brooklyn Nets, with whom he had a career year during the ’16-17 campaign. He averaged 10 points and eight boards per game that season.
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Is it time for a good Book?
A move to bring Booker in likely wouldn’t light up the presses; fans have their eyes on the big names. However, the Jazz would need to renounce multiple free agents and deal other players already on their roster to even put themselves into a position to approach any of the upper-tier players on the market.
For that reason, a high-profile signing is unlikely.
Consequently, signing Booker could be the kind of low-key move that would add depth without sacrificing future financial flexibility.