Report: Jazz prioritize Hill extension over Favors

Strong early returns on their new starting point guard has the Utah Jazz convinced.

With $13 million in cap room, the Jazz are looking to retain George Hill by signing him to an extension, sources told ESPN's Marc Stein. Hill would otherwise become an unrestricted free agent.

Giving Hill the entirety of their cap room could see his current salary rise from $8 million to $21 million.

Hill has flourished since landing with the Jazz following stints in San Antonio and Indiana. The 30-year-old is averaging 20.4 points and five assists while shooting 54.1 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from deep to go along with stellar defense.

Beyond his on-court production, the Jazz also value Hill for his experience on a relatively inexperienced squad short on veteran leadership. Former No. 5 pick Dante Exum is still incubating and the Jazz need immediate production as the franchise looks to return to the postseason for the first time since 2012.

The dilemma with extending Hill, however, is the tricky contractual status of power forward Derrick Favors. His deal is also eligible for reconstruction and the Jazz likely only have enough flexibility to reward one of the two.

The Jazz have until Feb. 28 to reach an extension with either player. Similar restructuring extensions were also reached this summer in Houston with James Harden and in Oklahoma City with Russell Westbrook.