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Utah Jazz 2016-17 season review: Boris Diaw

By Adam Coffman

Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) defends Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) defends Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder with center Boris Diaw (33) and guard Shelvin Mack (8) during the first half in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the LA Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder with center Boris Diaw (33) and guard Shelvin Mack (8) during the first half in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the LA Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Moving Forward

Diaw’s contract that he signed last summer included the 2017-18 season as a $7.5 million team option, which must be acted upon before July 15.

Given the impending decisions to be made regarding Gordon Hayward, and other free agents to-be, the Frenchman’s status will likely be on the back burner for the Utah front office.

Although the ball is in the Jazz’s court as far as bringing Diaw back goes, his next destination, should he find work elsewhere, will be determined more by his priorities than anything else.

If he wants to chase championships, he’ll need to take a lower salary, perhaps the veteran’s minimum, and sign on with a team like the Golden State Warriors, provided they have a spot open. If it’s money he’s after, a team with ample room and a need for leadership like the Philadelphia 76ers could be a good fit.

For what it’s worth, Diaw expressed interest in returning to the Jazz during his exit interview with the Salt Lake Tribune, saying he “doesn’t expect any promises.”

"“I’m just in wait-and-see mode. I’m not sweating over it. I’m not anxious, but … I liked the season I had here. I enjoyed being here, so I would like to be back.”"

Before he can punch his ticket back to Utah, however, the front office will have to evaluate whether his services warrant further financial commitment.

Next: 5 potential landing spots for Gordon Hayward in free agency

Boris Diaw had an up-and-down year with the Jazz this season, and his future with the team is just as complex as his role on it.

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