2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Khris Middleton
By Jordan Foote
4. Utah Jazz
Fresh off a 50-win season and first round playoff exit, the Utah Jazz are searching for ways to improve on the offensive end. Finishing in the middle of the pack in offensive rating, but among the league leaders in defensive rating, Quin Snyder’s squad has carved out a clear identity over the last few seasons.
With that being said, it appears as if the Jazz have reached their ceiling with how the roster is currently constructed. Facing two key free agency decisions in whether or not to bring back point guard Ricky Rubio and frontcourt piece Derrick Favors, this is a big offseason for those in Salt Lake City.
Barely having the potential to open up a max contract slot, signing Middleton would likely be the only major move Utah would be able to make this summer. Bringing in a floor-spacing, jack-of-all-trades wing to star alongside Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert is an intriguing idea, though.
Rubio is a solid starting point guard. Favors is a solid starting center. Despite that, it’s time for a change. Middleton would fit perfectly in the Jazz’s starting lineup and would allow some positional versatility with players such as Joe Ingles and Jae Crowder.