Utah Jazz: Complete 2017 offseason grades
By Adam Coffman
Trading for a point: Ricky Rubio
Just hours before free agency was set to begin, the Jazz made a move that used the last of their 2016 cap space, dealing a future first round pick for Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio.
In doing so, they effectively gave up their pursuit of George Hill, who wound up signing with the Sacramento Kings on a three-year, $57 million contract. Rubio will be making about $14 million each of the next two years, after which point he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.
It’s worth noting that Utah made the move for Rubio prior to Hayward’s free agency decision, which changes the deal’s ramifications now that we know more about the team’s roster makeup for next season.
In terms of the cost it took to get Rubio for the Jazz, this deal is an absolute steal. The only question will be how the team will work his playstyle into the offense. In prior years, Rubio’s lack of scoring and shooting ability effectively tanked any offense he was tasked with running, but his numbers went up in a big way over the second half of last season.
Related Story: What to expect from Ricky Rubio next season
If the Jazz offense can support his questionable off-ball spacing, Utah could have a fearsome pick-and-roll duo of Rubio and Rudy Gobert to terrorize defenses with. His fit will be something to watch, but there’s no question the Jazz pulled a great trade here.
Grade: A