Jack Strop
Well-Known Member
Don't have to release them until a FA puts ink to paper, or July 6th, when we'd have to pick up or decline the option on Favors. But that's 1 week after the moratorium ends. It's very likely the FA's we're talking to (like Harris) will have made up their minds. Even that cream puff, Hayward, made his decision by July 4th. And Dennis' fall back option, Otto Porter, made up his mind that day too, IIRC (Lindsey was returning on the plane with Snyder after meeting with Porter's agent).Something to keep in mind. For the Jazz to free up the space to even offer one of those big time FAs, we have to not pick up Favors contract and release Ricky's cap hold. It's very likely this team will have a new look next season, one way or another.
I think Bricky is gone in any case...and good riddance. He's a lousy shooter and, IMO, an overrated defender. I'd rather see Donovan slide over to the 1 and Royce start at the 2. Improved defense and another 3pt shooter on the court. Whether Favors returns is probably dependent on getting Tobias. I don't see Utah giving up a ton of assets for Conley at this point. Lindsey was willing to give up a guy we no longer wanted (Ricky) and Derrick, plus a pick in the 20's. He wouldn't budge on Exum. I don't see that changing now.
Jazz, if they strike out, are better off staying over the cap so they can use the full MLE. Dropping below really handicaps them this summer and even next, unless/until they can sign or trade for a 2nd-tier FA.