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3 potential Tristan Thompson free agency destinations

By Jake Weinbach

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 30: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to the referee during the first half against Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 30: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to the referee during the first half against Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images
Tristan Thompson Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images /

2. Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz could emerge as an under the radar destination for the services of Tristan Thompson in free agency.

The Jazz have a very talented team, but don’t seem to be viewed as legitimate title contenders just yet. They’ve got two All-Stars, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, who headline their squad and the organization seems to be planning to build around them long-term.

Utah has an exciting team that is going to keep on improving. This upcoming free agency could determine how much better they get. Hopefully, they can retain Jordan Clarkson and assist Mike Conley in becoming the player that he once was when he played with the Memphis Grizzlies not too long ago.

The main objective for the Jazz this offseason should be focusing on improving their depth, especially at the center position. They already have an efficient starting lineup with Conley, Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale, and Gobert; however, Utah could value an experienced center that could provide a spark off the bench such as Tristan Thompson.

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Clarkson and Joe Ingles have been very productive in head coach Quin Snyder’s second unit this season. Adding Thompson to that group next season could be an important piece to their success.

The current centers coming off the bench for the Jazz include Tony Bradley and Ed Davis. I think Thompson would be the preferred choice over both of them as the backup center behind Gobert.

Thompson would compliment Mitchell, Conley, and Clarkson (who he’s played with before in Cleveland) with his productivity in pick and roll situations on both ends of the floor due to their abilities to create space and quickness off the dribble. His rebounding abilities would also be useful when Gobert is off the court.

Nevertheless, there would be some worries involved with signing Thompson. It wouldn’t be beneficial for Thompson and Gobert to be together on the court at the same time since their abilities don’t complement one another.

The main concern is that the Jazz may not have enough cap space to sign Thompson to the contract that he may ask for. Although they might have a mutual interest in each other, other teams would certainly be able to offer Thompson more cash with a larger role.

It may take some convincing for Tristan Thompson to agree to terms with the Jazz this offseason, but I believe Utah could get aggressive in improving their depth and identifying themselves as a realistic destination for him in free agency.

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