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The Utah Jazz's 2020-21 NBA season ended on an anticlimactic note after they blew a 2-0 series lead in the 2021 NBA playoffs semi-finals against the LA Clippers.
Looking ahead to the new season, the Utah Jazz have exceptional players that can help them achieve a deep run in the playoffs. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are franchise players who can turn things around for the Jazz. Regardless, they need to make some additions in free agency that will bolster their roster.
Cap space will be a major issue for the Jazz, which is why they need to explore options that would not be a burden financially. The Utah Jazz front office has a lot to deliberate on as some of its largest earners will be free agents this summer.
A lot of factors have to be considered before a deal is made. But the early days of free agency might be the busiest for the Utah Jazz.
As we approach the 2021 NBA free agency, here are five free agents the Utah Jazz should target.
#5 Jeff Green
The Utah Jazz are in a financial pickle, which will mean they will have to make some adjustments to their roster. Jeff Green will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and is a versatile player that the Jazz should look to acquire.
Green was a rotational player for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2020-21 season. However, he was impactful on both ends of the court when called upon. His addition to the Utah Jazz team will ease the defensive burden on Gobert and improve floor spacing on offense.
Following recent trade rumors, Derrick Favors will be available this offseason, meaning the Utah Jazz will need another forward to fill his position. Favors put in a decent shift for the Jazz in the 2020-21 season, but his $20 million two-year contract will put a strain on the franchise's finances.
#4 Torrey Craig
Torrey Craig was traded to the Phoenix Suns by the Milwaukee Bucks midway in the 2020-21 season as he could not fit into Mike Budenholzer's team. However, the Suns found a use for him, and he featured in all of their postseason games.
Craig is an excellent floor spacer and will give room for Mitchell to drive up the lane. Gobert will also have space to work down-low, drawing the double-team and finding the open man. Craig would be a great fit for the Utah Jazz' second unit as he is dependable from range.
#3 Josh Hart
Joe Ingles and Bojan Bogdanovic might not return with the Utah Jazz for the 2020-21 season. If both impeccable catch-and-shoot veterans leave, there'd be a need to fill up with quality shooters.
Josh Hart might be on his way out of the New Orleans Pelicans in search of more playtime. His versatility could play well into him being a starter with the Utah Jazz as he could be slotted into the wing.
Hart is a decent perimeter defender who will compliment Gobert's efforts in the paint. The Utah Jazz finished the 2020-21 season ranked 4th in defensive rating. The addition of more defensive-minded players who are also effective in scoring the basket might be enough to lead the franchise to its first NBA conference finals in 14 years.
#2 Georges Niang
Georges Niang finished the 2020-21 season averaging 42.5% from the 3-point range for the Utah Jazz. Although he will be a free agent this summer, it will make sense to bring him back as a rotation player. With most of the veterans on their way out, he might get more minutes to show his potential.
Re-signing Niang under the mid-level exception is achievable as the forward has expressed his love for Utah. With his career-high average and 3-point shooting being in high demand, the Utah Jazz need to keep him on the roster.
#1 Mike Conley
The 2021 NBA free agency starts on August 2nd, allowing teams to seal verbal deals before things are made official on August 6. Given how impactful Mike Conley has been for the Utah Jazz, we anticipate that both parties will agree in the early days of free agency.
Conley had an incredible season with the Utah Jazz. He was missed in the 2021 NBA playoffs second round, as the outcome might have been different had he played in the first five games.
Despite the cap situation, the Utah Jazz will find ways to keep Conley on the roster. The impact he had this season cannot be overlooked, which is why they stand a better chance of contending for the championship with Conley.
Nonetheless, the only way the Utah Jazz can keep him if he agrees to a huge pay cut or if they trade away several rotation players to unburden themselves. Re-signing him would be the Jazz's best option because they'd still be in financial trouble if he walks, and getting a player of his caliber would be near impossible.
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