Derrick Favors
Without a doubt, this was the big one for Jazz fans this offseason.
In order to clear cap space and pave the way for the Bojan Bogdanovic signing, the Jazz had to cut ties with Derrick Favors. The former No. 3 overall pick who came to Utah in the Deron Williams trade was ultimately sent to the New Orleans Pelicans for a pair of future second-round picks.
Favors wasn’t just the longest tenured Jazzman, he was one of the guys who gave the team its identity. Not many players ingratiated themselves with the community in Salt Lake City like Favors did, either. Jazz fans will undoubtedly continue to cheer for him throughout the remainder of his career.
While he’ll be sorely missed, Favors’ move to NOLA was a great one for all parties involved.
The Pels get to team Faves with No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, Jrue Holiday, J.J. Redick, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram — a squad that may just snag a playoff spot in the wake of Anthony Davis’ departure. Meanwhile, the Jazz got Bogey and Faves gets to play a featured role on a good team instead of being Rudy Gobert’s back-up.
Saying goodbye is hard to do, but this one was the Michael Scott “win-win-win,” so be happy!