Utah Jazz: Should they Resign Four Free Agents?

Entering the 2022 NBA Offseason, the Utah Jazz are not expected to make much noise in regards to free agency. They are not a heavy favorite to land a big name, and if they keep Rudy Gobert on the roster then they simply will not have the cap space to add a big-name free agent.

Internally, however, the Jazz have four players who will be looking around the league this summer, maybe finding a new home. Utah can opt to give these players a competitive offer, but is it really worth it for some of them?

The four players who might be signing elsewhere are aging center Hassan Whiteside, backup forward Eric Paschall, journeyman Danuel House Jr, and fringe NBA player Trent Forrest. Not exactly a lineup of stars, but roleplayers win games down the stretch, so it’s worth evaluating if they are worth spending money on.

Hassan Whiteside Might Get Paid

Center Hassan Whiteside has declined since leaving Miami in 2019, but last season with the Jazz he was a productive backup center. He made 2.4 million dollars last year, and despite being 33 years old, he might stumble upon even more money next season.

The Bulls are rumored to get in touch with him, and contenders like the Lakers, Clippers, and 76ers might call promising him a role on a championship team. Can the Jazz reasonably offer a shot at a ring next season? Probably not.

If Rudy Gobert relocates this summer, having an anchor in the paint will be very necessary for the Jazz. Whiteside has never been an offensive threat, but his shot-blocking, rebounding, and physical presence makes him a constant threat down low. Knowing that better teams might pick up the phone to inquire about signing him, the Jazz will have to offer up a little more cash than anyone else. Is he worth it? No, but if Gobert is gone then they need another option. If Gobert stays, let Whiteside walk. Otherize, he might be worth an overpay.