Report: Jazz tested market for Derrick Favors
The Utah Jazz are blessed to have plenty of depth, but that depth is about to become extremely expensive.
With George Hill and Gordon Hayward slated to become free agents, and Rudy Gobert already locked into a nine-digit extension, there are limited funds left for the Jazz's supporting pieces.
That's why the Jazz have tested the market for power forward Derrick Favors in recent weeks, sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe.
Favors is an awkward fit next to Gobert and hasn't yet regained his pre-knee injury levels of production. He's also slated to become a free agent in 2018, and shedding his $12-million salary for 2017-18 would create cap flexibility for what's shaping up to be an expensive summer in Utah.
The 25-year-old is averaging 9.2 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 46.9 percent from the field. In his two previous seasons, before undergoing surgery, he averaged 16.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shot 52.1 percent.
When healthy, Favors is a proven two-way contributor capable of playing both frontcourt positions. The former No. 3 pick pairs an accurate elbow jumper with the ability to score on the low block, along with excellent size and defensive acumen.