The aging vet
Technically, Kyle Korver is still under contract for next season. However, only a portion of his contract is guaranteed should the Jazz opt to cut their losses and move on from him. Perhaps even more likely, though, is that Korver may finally hang up his shoes from the game he loves.
In his end-of-season interview, Korver made it clear that contemplating retirement is a serious possibility that he’s facing. He expressed his fatigue unabashedly and made it clear that family and other life considerations are weighing heavily on his mind. At 38 years old, it would be no surprise if he opted to finally throw in the towel.
If he did so, obviously he would be gone and Utah wouldn’t have to worry about the second year of his contract. However, if Kyle wants back, then the Jazz face a tougher decision.
There’s no questioning that the gravity he created on offense was incredible for the Jazz. Korver’s mere presence as a 3-point threat revolutionized Utah’s play on that end of the floor. However, he also shot one of the lowest marks of his career from deep with the Jazz this season (though 38.4 percent is nothing to balk at) and he essentially disappeared in the playoffs with an injured knee.
Not only that, but if one of Utah’s goals this summer is to add playmaking and 3-point shooting, both of which will check the same box Korver did of spacing the floor, but in a much more prolific way than the aging vet can, he suddenly wouldn’t appear to be nearly as critical. If the Jazz are able to find just the right matches in free agency, Kyle’s shooting ability would suddenly seem unnecessary and outweighed by his age and lack of athleticism.
So Korver’s future in Utah likely depends on two things. One – whether or not he decides to simply retire. And two – how the Jazz fare in free agency.
The only way I see Korver back is if he decides he wants one more complete season with the Jazz and if the Jazz can’t find the necessary shooting they covet in free agency, thus they deem it necessary to keep him and his sniper ability on the roster, despite other shortcomings. Sure, he could also decide to return and Utah could bite the bullet and keep his contract, but I find that less than plausible.
And with so much uncertainty, I’m honestly thinking it’s pretty unlikely Korver returns, and wouldn’t be one bit shocked to see him retire. Either way, I have a feeling we’ve seen Kyle’s last dance as a Jazzman already.
Verdict: Likely gone