Utah Jazz: 5 predictions for the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline
Derrick Favors
Prediction: Utah will end up trading Favors in exchange for a player with a lengthier contract, ending his eight-year stint with the Jazz.
Another name that have surrounded the Jazz in trade rumors as we approach Thursday’s trade deadline has been forward Derrick Favors, but this is nothing new for Favors, who has been involved in trade rumors for the last couple of years in Utah.
This season, though, those trade rumors might have some more steam behind them compared to that of previous instances. An example of that is in January when the Jazz and Bulls were engaged in trade talks surrounding Favors and Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Mirotic.
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That deal didn’t end up happening, but it showed that Utah isn’t focused on finding a way to extend Favors or pay him following this season. Therefore, Favors could very well find his way onto a new team for the home stretch of the regular season.
There are many enticing things that could make Favors a nice player for various teams around the NBA. For one, Favors provides a solid post presence with his physical play in the paint. Two, Favors is both young and experienced, with being 26 years old and in his eighth season. And finally, Favors is on an expiring contract, making $12 million here in 2017-18.
All of those aspects could influence a trade for Favors before Thursday.
For the Jazz, they can afford to send Favors to another team before the deadline. Utah could easily have Jonas Jerebko step in for Favors in the starting lineup if he’s indeed traded away.
The Jazz will take advantage of teams being interested in Favors before the deadline and will gain an asset in return for Favors’ expiring contract.