Derrick Favors, who has been a mainstay in Utah since joining the team as part of the New Jersey Nets’ trade package for Deron Williams in 2011, has lowered expectations of him being on the roster next season. With the Jazz expected to go all-in in retaining Gordon Hayward and point guard George Hill, Favors is aware he could be one of the sacrifices the organization has to make in order to keep the financial books in check.
Favors the odd man out?
Favors clearly encapsulated his situation with the Jazz in an interview with Tony Jones of Salt Lake City Tribune: “Everyone knows I love Utah, and I love playing for the Jazz.
But I have to prepare myself this off-season to have a great year, whatever city I’m in. “
The 25-year old Favors hasn’t quite lived up to his billing as a former no. 3 overall pick of what turned out to be a really good 2010 NBA Draft, but he has nevertheless paid his dues in Utah as one of the consistent contributors for the Jazz over the last 3-4 years. The 7-year veteran has averaged 11.4 points and 7.2 rebounds, while shooting 51 percent from the field over his career.
The final year of Favors’ contract are worth $12 million, which is a lot cheaper compared to other contracts. However, he and his agent, Wallace Prather understand that the Jazz are in tight financial situation after signing Rudy Gobert to a 4-year, $102 million deal and now facing the reality of shelling out another $100+ million contract for Hayward.
The Jazz will also have to find ways to retain serviceable wingman Joe Ingles and lock in youngsters Dante Exum and Rodney Hood this summer.
What are the options for Favors?
Mathematically, it’s no longer realistic for the Jazz to keep their current starting front-court intact. The fact that Favors couldn’t hit the long ball like other stretch forwards casually do in today’s NBA makes him a lot more expendable.
Still, Favors' agent is still not giving up on the idea of Favors sticking with the Jazz beyond next season.
He believes his client will benefit a lot if Hayward decides to play elsewhere this summer. "That's the one way I can see Derrick staying long-term," Prather told the Salt Lake City Tribune. "If Gordon leaves, Derrick becomes much more important."
If Hayward decides to stay in Utah, Favors could still improve his trade value if he can put up big numbers during the first half of the 2017/18 season.
According to Jones, trading Favors right now would not yield a significant return for the Jazz because of the forward’s recent injury and mediocre 2016/17 output. Hence, it’s more likely Favors could be moved around February, when teams are looking to upgrade their roster or absorb expiring contracts for cap space flexibility.
