The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Who will and won’t be back next season?

By Jared Woodcox

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 17: Derrick Favors #15 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz speak to the media after Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets on April 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 17: Derrick Favors #15 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz speak to the media after Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets on April 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 2: Naz Mitrou-Long #30 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Houston Rockets on February 2, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 2: Naz Mitrou-Long #30 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Houston Rockets on February 2, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Restricted two-way guys

Both Tyler Cavanaugh and Naz Mitrou-Long are restricted free agents for the Jazz, meaning the team will get the first opportunity to retain the both of them. Obviously as largely G-League participants on their two-way contracts, they weren’t necessarily vital to Utah’s success this season.

With such being the case, I think there’s a pretty good chance that Utah may find another pair of players that they want to aim to develop and give a shot to. Both have been in the league for a couple years now without distinguishing themselves all that much, so it may be time to search for other diamonds in the rough elsewhere.

If that were the case, both could very well remain on the Salt Lake City Stars, but without a guaranteed two-way contract.

On the flip side, if Utah still likes what it sees in the pair and doesn’t want to fritter away the development they’ve put into them, it’s possible that they keep them around and see if either can blossom into the next Georges Niang. Both have shown out in the G-League and have the ability to be prolific knock-down shooters, but whether or not they’ll have enough to remain on an NBA roster will be the true challenge.

Personally, I think Utah will move on from at least one and potentially both of them. Each new year brings about a new cycle of talent and the Jazz may very well aim to keep hold of a new under-the-radar talent who they hope will move the needle for them down the road. Sadly, I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if we’ve seen the last of Cavanaugh and Mitrou-Long in Jazz uniforms.

Verdict: Likely both gone

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