As the journey to the NBA Finals continues for the four remaining teams, the season has long since been over for the Utah Jazz. With the draft and free agency on the horizon, possible additions to the current roster are all Utah fans can think about. Let’s take a look at possible targets in three different categories: the big splash move, the immediate impact player, and the realistic addition.
The Big Splash: DeMar DeRozan
In this free agency class, the highest caliber player available is Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan. While reported to have multiple suitors, it is possible that DeRozan lands in Utah with all the cap space the team has. Unlikely, but that’s why it is considered a big splash. If Danny Ainge and company were to go all in on DeRozan, it would be in a win-now push, as he will turn 35 years old next season. Last year, his numbers were solid and productive, averaging 24 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. The fit would be very interesting, with the potential starting five being Keyonte George, DeMar DeRozan, Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Walker Kessler.
The Immediate Impact: OG Anunoby
This very well could be considered a splash move as well, but there is no doubt that OG Anunoby would make an immediate impact suiting up for the Jazz. After averaging 14.7 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, it has been reported that OG could test free agency after only half a season with the Knicks. The part that makes this most intriguing for Utah, besides the fact he is only 26 years old, is his defense, something the Jazz lack severely. Last season, the team had the worst defensive rating, and adding Anunoby would no doubt help boost that area.
The Realistic Addition: Miles Bridges
One of the more controversial players in the league, Miles Bridges seems to be the most likely signing for the Utah Jazz this offseason. In fact, the Jazz have seemed to be tied to Bridges since his suspension, for better or for worse. The Hornets’ forward averaged 21 points per game last season, adding 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Talent-wise, it would not be a bad pickup by any means, as the 26-year-old fits the Jazz timeline better than most free agent options this go-around. The fit would be interesting if John Collins were still on the team, and it would take away minutes from Taylor Hendricks, but as of right now, it seems to be the most likely signing.
With the conference finals raging on, the free agency negotiation window opens on June 30. As we get closer, be on the lookout for new developments and potential targets. All reports point towards an active offseason for the Utah Jazz.
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