The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz 2019 free agent targets: 12 players, 3 tiers

By Jared Woodcox

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 30: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Utah Jazz during their game at Spectrum Center on November 30, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 30: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Utah Jazz during their game at Spectrum Center on November 30, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 6: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 6, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 6: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 6, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Tier 1

D’Angelo Russell

I know I just said I was trying to be realistic. And I know this would be a tough get considering D’Angelo Russell‘s restricted free agent status. But bear with me.

D’Angelo Russell has had a prolific season with the Brooklyn Nets that earned him an All-Star bid. Sure, those are much easier to come by in the East than in the West, but he was still very much deserving of the nod. Russell is posting 20.3 points and 6.8 assists per game while leading a feisty Nets team into the playoff mix.

He has his shortcomings, to be sure, but as a playmaker and potential second backcourt scoring option next to Donovan Mitchell, he could be prolific. Based on some of their interactions, they appear to have a good relationship with one another as well, meaning this could be an ideal match for chemistry reasons, too.

But why would an upstart Nets team give him up? Well if they’re looking to continue to grow from within, there’s no reason why they wouldn’t match any offer sent his way and retain him. However, after years of being handcuffed by poor financial decisions, Brooklyn finally has some spending power this summer and could be major players in free agency with sufficient cap space for two max players.

As such, they’ll face some tough decisions this summer on who to aim to keep and who to let walk. And if they want to add two max guys, and have the opportunity to do so, there’s virtually no way they’ll be able to keep Russell.

If such ends up being the case, the Jazz should be ready to swoop in. Adding a young and talented guard of his caliber could be a great step in elevating Utah’s backcourt and the team as a whole.

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