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.

Eric Paschall Might be Done

After an incredible rookie season for the Golden State Warriors, Eric Paschall seems to be running out of juice. In his three seasons, he has gotten worse every single year. He has added a three-point shot, which is refreshing, but his defense is not there and his impact has been negligible.

He disappears in the playoffs, but some fanbases seem to think he’s worth it. He hasn’t shown that in Utah, so I say let him walk. He’s a restricted free agent, so the Jazz can match any offer, although I suspect one or two teams might make an offer that is very high.

The only issue with letting him walk is it might upset Donovan Mitchell. The two seem to be quite close, and keeping a star happy is very important, as we have learned with Rudy Gobert. It is true that Paschall has seen fewer minutes every season, so his confidence might be rattled. Maybe a different role on the roster would suit him well, but unlike Hassan Whiteside, there isn’t a good reason to resign him. Three million a year would be fine if it keeps Mitchell happy, but other than that there’s no reason to extend an offer.

Danuel House May Have Found a Home

Daneul House is approaching 30, and he has had a rather forgettable NBA career thus far, but his production in Utah was well worth the contract he got. In fact, he might even be deserving of a raise. In Utah, he matched his career-high in shooting efficiency on almost the same amount of attempts.

His perimeter defense is quite good, which is much needed on this roster. Last season he made less than a million dollars, although seven figures should very much be within the realm of possibility this season. If Utah can shore up their perimeter defense in the starting five, retaining House would keep the defense going when the bench unit heads out. He’s no star, and never will be, but his contributions last season have shown that he’s worth keeping around on a low-risk, lowish-cost deal.

Trent Forrest Is a G-League Star

Being a phenom in the Summer League and G-League does not guarantee you will have success as an NBA player. Trent Forrest is walking proof of that. His court vision, defense, and ball handling are all good reasons for him to get a longer chance with Utah, or in the NBA as a whole, but his total inability when it comes to shooting will be his downfall.

In 90 games with the Jazz over two seasons, it’s true that he hasn’t had much of a chance. He doesn’t even average a dozen minutes a game. But he has not made the most of his opportunity, either.

If he wants to stay in Utah, the Jazz could pay him a small amount and make it very clear that he will be in the G-League until he gets his shot to fall. Otherwise, he can sell his services to another team. Either way, I don’t think fans will hear much from Forrest this season, no matter where he plays.

Don’t be fooled by him winning a summer league game. It’s his finest moment in a Utah jersey, in a game that ultimately does not matter.