Utah Jazz: Far-too-early 2019 free agent wish list

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 25: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks controls the ball while being defended by Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 25, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 25: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks controls the ball while being defended by Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 25, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
6 of 7
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 1: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on November 1, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 1: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on November 1, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Khris Middleton

I formerly pinned Tobias Harris as a dream fit for the Utah Jazz. I’ve got to say, though, Khris Middleton is right up there in that category as well. He’s an underrated player on both ends of the court, but he can legitimately ball and would make Utah significantly better. He’s a knock-down 3-point shooter who’s shooting upwards of 40 percent once again this season, and he’s an exceptional defender.

Furthermore, Middleton is a high-IQ and unselfish player that would fit like a glove in Utah’s system. He has an underappreciated athleticism and could be relied on both to knock down big-time shots and create to get a bucket when needed as well. As I’ve mentioned with a couple previous players, Middleton would also be an exceptional tandem alongside Donovan Mitchell, allowing both to be dangerous offensive weapons.

It may be hard to convince Middleton to leave the Bucks, who most likely are going to want to keep a hold of him alongside superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but this is one the Jazz absolutely have to pursue. It may be a long-shot, but perhaps short-time Bucks exec and current Jazz exec Justin Zanik may have some pull due to a relationship with Middleton and the Milwaukee organization.

Jazz fans had better hope so, because adding a guy like Middleton would be an enormous win. He’s exactly what the Jazz need on both ends of the floor to take a massive leap in the right direction.