Utah Jazz: Who’s staying and who’s going in 2017 free agency?
By Jason Oliver
George Hill
2016-17 salary: $8 million
The argument can be made that Hill was the difference between this season and last. When available, the Jazz performed better on both sides of the floor but with just 49 regular season games to his name and demands for a near max contract, Hill may have played his last game in Utah.
Source: George Hill has been advised he can get much better deal this summer than what Jazz can offer now. @tribjazz reports talks dead.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 28, 2017
Back in February, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported talks between Hill and the Jazz fell through when negotiating an extension because the point-guard was advised that he could get a better deal in the summer.
His 16.9 points, 4.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game will be difficult to replace, but at the back end of his career and in search of a payday, it’s unlikely Hill returns to Utah unless the Jazz are the highest bidder.
Dante Exum has shown glimpses of what so many expected, but he’s not ready to entirely fill the void left by a departing Hill.
The Jazz will be on the hunt of a capable starting point guard with a willingness to play defense and ability to score from long range.