NBA Free Agency: 3 Players the Utah Jazz are currently targeting

The Utah Jazz entered the 18-19 season with the confidence that they could compete in a crowded Western Conference. During the 2018 playoffs, the Jazz blew away Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder, and despite being eliminated by the Rockets in the following round, the franchise appeared on the brink of becoming serious contenders.

However, following an inconsistent regular season, the Jazz were comfortably eliminated by Houston in the first round of the 2019 playoffs, and while Rudy Gobert continued to dominate defensively, Quin Synder's team struggled on the offensive end.

Desperate to improve following an underwhelming season, the Jazz have signed Mike Conley to replace Ricky Rubio, and the franchise is keen to make further additions in free agency.

The Jazz won't be in contention to sign the likes of Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard but will be competitive when it comes to mid-level free agents. So, as free agency gets underway, here are three players that are interesting the Jazz.

#1 Bojan Bogdanovic

Bojan Bogdanovic has impressed during his two-year spell with the Indiana Pacers

Due to their offensive limitations, the Jazz are desperate to add shooters in free agency, and Tony Jones and Shams Charania of The Athletic are reporting that Utah are serious contenders to sign Bojan Bogdanovic.

In a crowded field of free agents, Bogdanovic stands out as one of the best shooters. Over the past season, he shot a career-high 42% from 3-point range, while also averaging career highs in points (18.0), rebounds (4.1), and assists (2.0).

The Croatian turned 30 earlier this year, although due to the increasing demand for perimeter shooting, he is still expected to command a substantial multi-year deal. This indicates that the Jazz will be willing to let restricted free-agent Derrick Favors leave the team.

#2 Bobby Portis

Bobby Portis quickly established himself as a key player with the Washington Wizards

When the Washington Wizards acquired Bobby Portis from the Chicago Bulls ahead of the trade deadline, the franchise believed they were signing an undeveloped talent.

Portis had started just 27 times during his four seasons in Chicago, although after being unleashed in Washington's starting five, he averaged 14.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest.

The 24-year-old also knocked down almost 40% of his three-point attempts and Tony Jones of The Athletic is reporting that the Jazz are interested in pursuing a deal for the emerging talent.

Portis is a restricted free agent, so the Wizards would have 48 hours to match any deal that Portis agrees with the Jazz. However, Washington is believed to be open to making changes this summer ahead of a complete rebuild next summer, and it is unlikely that they will match a substantial offer.

#3 Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young has been mooted as a potential replacement for Derrick Favors

Thaddeus Young may not be among the most exciting names to hit free agency, although the 31-year-old has quietly put together a successful career. During his decade in the NBA, Young has averaged 13.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game and the veteran is coming off a season in which he shot 52% from the field.

With efficient shooters in demand more than ever before, Tony Jones of The Athletic is reporting that Utah are among a number of teams interested in signing Young.

Young has earned $54 million over the past four seasons, but should be available on a cheaper deal this summer. Jones' report highlights that the Jazz will face plenty of competition to land Young, although the franchise will be able to offer the New Orleans native a prominent role in the frontcourt.