Favors' age, defense, character, contract, & improving mid-range jump shot make him the 2nd most valuable player on this team. The only way he should be traded is in a blockbuster that brings in a superstar, which is unlikely (although should be considered if the right deal ever came along).
I know this is blasphemy on Jazzfanz, but the player this thread should be about is Hayward. He is one of the best 2-way players in the NBA, represents everything that this franchise stands for (with his hustle, work ethic, character, etc), & is the reason that our offense wasn't near the bottom of the league statistically last season, but he can opt-out in 2 years (when Exum projects to become a significant contributor- meaning when we project to legitimately compete) & will likely require a max contract extension under the new salary cap (which very few players will be worth even if the cap does rise to 100 mil), if he's even interested in re-signing (which I expect him to be unless we're still a lottery team, although you never know).
Unless there is any indication that he would consider signing for less than the max, which is possible, but would likely depend on us being legitimate championship contenders by then (which may prove difficult with Exum starting), I think it needs to be considered. As much as I love Hayward & what he brings to this team, I'm not sure he will be worth 20+ mil, & to lose him for nothing just as we begin to become truly competitive would set back the franchise more than Al/Sap walking did (or trading him now would). We could wait a year but his value would be significantly lower due to his opt-out clause.
Not saying we should necessarily trade Hayward, just that if we're going to have a thread about dealing one of our big three, it should be about him instead of Favors.
