Former Utah Jazz big Derrick Favors could be on the trade block

According to a report, several NBA teams are monitoring former Utah Jazz big Derrick Favors, which means he could very well be back on the trade block.

Although the Utah Jazz were celebrated for having a tremendous offseason, there’s no denying that a few players that left town were difficult to part ways with. Guys like Jae Crowder, Ricky Rubio and to a lesser extent Kyle Korver were all a part of the heart and soul of the Jazz and resulted in some exceptionally fun basketball.

But perhaps no departure stung as much as that of Derrick Favors. Favors had been the longest tenured active Jazzman when the team opted to move on from him, a decision that was made in order to carve space for free agent acquisition Bojan Bogdanovic. Not only was Favors a long-time Jazz fan favorite who had sacrificed personal well-being for the betterment of the team and had been a key piece to Utah’s playoff success, but his absence was projected to leave a big hole in Utah’s frontcourt.

And, boy oh boy, has that been the case. Particularly when Ed Davis went down with injury and Rudy Gobert missed some time, it was evident just how glaring of a void Derrick Favors’ departure left. Even now, with both those guys back in the rotation and healthy, the Jazz bench and second unit defense is desperately missing Favors’ production. He was an excellent fit for Utah, especially as a rim protector behind Rudy Gobert and a scoring option in the pick-and-roll alongside Joe Ingles.

In short, Derrick Favors has been wildly missed in Utah, even if he’s struggled in his new home in New Orleans. Though it should be noted that Favors’ struggles are far from his own fault. He dealt with injury early in the year that kept him sidelined and most recently, he missed time due to the tragic, unexpected death of his mother.

Because of this emotional blow dealt to Favors and his family, he hasn’t suited up for the Pelicans since November 16th. And between that issue and his injury woes, Derrick has only managed to appear in nine games this season. He’s also understandably struggled to get into a rhythm and several of his numbers are down. In a year that was supposed to see Favors thrive as a full-time starting center, unfortunate circumstances have held him back.

Due to that and a litany of other injuries and woes, the Pelicans are off to an abysmal start of 6-19, the second-worst mark in the Western Conference. With that being the case, the return of Zion Williamson still uncertain, and the hopes of a playoff run quickly melting away, it’s entirely possible that the Pelicans may look to punt on this season and look for ways to aim for the future.

That option could very well become even more a reality as a recent report from NBA writer Sean Deveney indicated that several teams are monitoring Favors’ availability with trade season just around the corner. Derrick’s steadiness as a rim protector and perennial double-double guy, along with his attractive expiring contract could make him a highly valuable trade piece for a Pelicans team that may want to wave the white flag this season.

If Favors were to be traded, it would be sad to see a player that was so beloved and valuable to the Jazz (and that would fill a huge need in Utah currently) be dealt so consecutively. That kind of movement is hard for any player to take, especially one that has experienced the emotional trauma that Favors is dealing with currently.

But on the flip side, if it landed him on a contender, and he was able to get back to the winning ways he displayed so prominently as a member of the Utah Jazz, it could be a huge boost for Favors, who would likely love the opportunity to compete for a championship rather than dwindle on a Pelicans team with little hope to compete this year.

Quite truthfully, I would love nothing more than to see Favors traded back to the Jazz to reunite him with his former beloved teammates and fanbase, but it’s not likely to happen at all. Sure, you can make an ESPN trade machine swap work such as Dante Exum, Ed Davis and Tony Bradley for Favs, but the Pelicans would be absolutely out of their minds to make a trade like that especially with the limited draft assets the Jazz can deal.

In other words, while there are technically ways the Jazz could make something happen, unless Dennis Lindsey and Justin Zanik pull out some sort of wild witchcraft never before seen in NBA circles, it’s not realistic at all that a deal could be realized.

But, even so, there are plenty of other teams out there that could use a defensive, rebounding and pick-and-roll ace like Favors in their lineup to strengthen their frontcourt or bolster their depth. So if New Orleans is truly bullish about letting this season go and the teams reportedly ‘monitoring’ Favors are anxious to strike a deal, it definitely feels within the realm of possibilities that he could be moved.

Indeed, mere months after being traded from the Utah Jazz, Favors could be back on the trade block yet again.

If he is moved, I hope that he goes to an absolutely incredible situation. After all he gave the Jazz through the years and considering what a great guy he is, I wish nothing more than for him to find a place where he can thrive.

And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish that place could be right back in Salt Lake City where it still feels like he truly belongs.