Tony Jones q&a in The Athletic. Some highlights
Q: Hi Tony. Thanks for all your insight into the organization. What is your ideal starting 5 for the Jazz next year?
A: I think the Jazz' ideal starting five would include Mike Conley
(Tony also says Conley is a “Plan A move”)
Are there any free agents other than Harris/Russell/Kemba (or a Conley trade) to keep an eye on for the Jazz? Both as other higher level guys worth losing Favors and complementary guys who'd fit into the room exception/mid-level exception/cap space?
The Jazz are focused on plan A moves, moves that elevate them into the next tier. They will have plan B, but this is the summer they are focused on trying to acquire the next piece to a potential title roster
If we strike out in free agency, what are your thoughts on Kevin Love? What would it take to trade for him?
I don't see the Jazz trading for Kevin Love
What free agents do you think the jazz will get this summer?
Not going to predict. What I know is that they are in play for several free agents. I would currently put them in the top three for Tobias Harris
Do you think Harris will take a meeting with the jazz before he decides?
Yes. Absolutely. That is if the Jazz haven't already made a significant trade that would take them out of a big money free agent deal
So basically Harris’s first choice is Brooklyn and the jazz next
Nets and then Jazz/Sixers are right there
Is one of the jazz goals this offseason to acquire players that spread the floor to maximize the skills of Rudy and Donovan?
Two goals: One is to acquire a dynamic playmaker. The other is to acquire more shooting
Is there a mutual interest between Russel and the jazz?
Yes. But Russell has interest in the Pacers, and Mavs. There would be a line forming if Russell becomes an unrestricted free agent
Any non-free agents on other teams you think the jazz should target via trade if they strike out in free agency? Thinking guys like TJ Warren/ Aaron Gordon types.
Spencer Dinwiddie for sure
Any word on whether Korver is going to play another year?
My gut feeling says he will return for another season
If the Jazz whiff on landing a big FA & the trade market (I really hope that doesn't happen) do you see Pat Beverley as a possible fit with the Jazz?
I think there's more of a chance the Jazz make Donovan Mitchell their starting point guard
Do the Jazz have interest in trading for Danilo Galinari?
I would say small chance
Where is Dante this summer? SLC? Can you update on his condition? Types of workouts he is into at this point?
In between Los Angeles and Salt Lake. He expects to be ready for training camp.
Does the front office feel they can move the jazz within the top 3 of the West, while keeping favors? If so what are some avenues for that to happen?
Not sure if that is possible. I think most of the moves they can make that elevate them a tier would cost them Favors
I would think russel would like the idea of playing with Donavan Mitchell
Of course. The two are close
Is there a player in this draft that the Jazz have had a "Donovan Mitchell reaction" to and are willing to move up for to get?
I wouldn't say Donovan Mitchell reaction, but I think the Jazz like Edwards and Okpala
Do the jazz like Eric Paschall a lot? Seemed he had a good workout
I do. I think he's potentially an elite role player
Hey Tony, is there a lot of trade competition for Mike Conley?
Yes. Teams have incquired
If Harris signs with the Jazz, thoughts on trading for a PG like Dragic or Teague?
Dragic is a good player whom the Jazz like. Not sure the Jazz have interest in teague
How likely is a trade before the draft? Assuming that trade is for Conley, does that mean we have heard from other guys that they won't be coming here?
There is a definite possibility the Jazz make a trade within the next week. Right now, I would say Conley is the guy the Jazz want.
Are the jazz all even with the pacers and Mavericks for russel?
I think the Pacers lead for Russell if he were to become an unrestricted free agent
So basically if the nets get kd would you say it’s very very likely the Jazz game Harris? And if the nets get Harris that we have a very good chance at russel
Better chance at Harris than Russell. If Philly offers the max, Harris could always take the money. Russell will have a slew of teams offering him