Objectively, unless Favors and Gobert start playing lights out together. . . I’d probably look to package Favors and Burks into adding a highly priced veteran ($20 million range) - even if it’s just as a rental. At that point, it’s more about Bird rights than anything else. If Favors isn’t in the long term plans, then his Bird rights are worthless to the Jazz, but possibly valuable to another team that wants him in free agency.
If the Wasatch Front is back in full force, I probably keep Favors and hope that he and Rudy keep evolving their game together. Not sure how much I’m willing to pay him in the future, but he’s shown near all star potential before and is still really young (possibly entering his prime years.)
Hood and Exum both get to test the RFA market. I’d possibly extend Exum if his starting salary coming in is lower than his QO. I’d rather let the (semi) open market set Hood’s value. Not sure if I’m dead set at keeping him at a Max level contract (probably if someone makes an offer that big) unless he shows the potential to fill up the scoreboard.
Going into the playoffs, the Jazz can live without Favors (because of JJ, Thabo, Jerebko and Udoh), but I think Hood will still be a valuable part of the equation.
Regardless of what happens with Favors, Hood and Exum. . . I hope the Jazz prioritize getting another wing who can score to round out the roster for this year. Not sure what deals will come available, but I hope they make a move somewhere.
