Utah Jazz keep backcourt intact, come to terms with Exum, Neto
By Ryan Aston
The Utah Jazz have reached agreement on new contracts with both of their free agent guards, Raul Neto and former No. 5 overall pick Dante Exum.
Free agency began just two days ago in the NBA, but the Utah Jazz have all but rounded out their roster. Clearly, continuity was the modus operandi for GM Dennis Lindsey and the team’s decision-makers.
During the first full day of negotiating, the Jazz came to terms on a two-year deal with big man Derrick Favors. Now, they look to be re-upping with both of the restricted free agents in their backcourt.
According to reports, former No. 5 overall pick Dante Exum and Raul Neto will both be signing on the dotted line after the league’s moratorium period ends on July 6.
The Neto news broke first. Per Yahoo! Sports’ Shams Charania, he’ll remain with the club on a two-year, $4.4 million deal.
Sources: RFA Raul Neto is signing a two-year, $4.4M deal to return to the Utah Jazz.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2018
This was more or less a no-brainer deal for the Jazz. Neto knows the system and has been an able performer over three years in Utah. During his rookie campaign in 2015-16, he was even called upon to start 53 games. The Brazilian point-man more than held his own despite the difficult situation.
He’s also a good locker room guy and a friend of the team’s franchise player in Rudy Gobert.
Although his floor time was limited last season, he was solid when he played. Per 36 minutes, he put up 13 points, five assists and one steal per game. Neto was also a 40-percent 3-point shooter.
Exum, meanwhile, will stick with the Jazz on what ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting to be a three-year, $33 million contract.
Utah Jazz restricted free agent Dante Exum has agreed to a three-year, $33M contract extension, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2018
Some would call his deal an overpay. However, the terms are geared more toward what Exum can become than what he is currently. The 2014 NBA Draft’s international man of mystery remains enigmatic due to the fact that he’s played in less than half of Utah’s games over the course of four years with the Jazz.
Last season, the 22-year-old was limited to just 14 games. He averaged 8.1 points and 3.1 assists per game over that span.
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Exum continues to show an elite first-step and defensive prowess when he plays, though. If he can improve his rim-finishing and knock down some shots from distance, his $11 million per annum could be a major bargain in years two and three. Staying healthy will be the key for him.
The Jazz now have 13 players locked-in for next season, assuming they guarantee Royce O’Neale.
They have until July 9 to make decisions on keeping Jonas Jerebko and Ekpe Udoh. Utah’s mid-level and bi-annual exceptions are still in play. If the team were relinquish both players, there would be around $10 million under the luxury tax threshhold with which to use them.
Udoh is likely to be retained, which takes a chunk out of that. Jerebko’s case for a roster spot is less clear.