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NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on signings and trades

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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NBA Free Agency
NBA free agency Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images /

2021 NBA Free Agency Grades: Utah Jazz

Key Additions: Rudy Gay (2-yr, $12 million); Hassan Whiteside (1-yr, minimum); Eric Paschall (trade)

Brought Back: Mike Conley (3-yr, $72.5 million)

Key Departures: Derrick Favors (trade to Oklahoma City); Georges Niang (Philadelphia)

Utah had the best record in the entire NBA last season, and while they weren’t an overwhelming favorite going into the postseason, they were a legitimate contender. They flamed out in the second round, but two of their three best players were hobbled by the end. This is not the sort of team you blow up, and it is the sort of team you pay up for.

The Jazz and new owner Ryan Smith ventured into the luxury tax in order to bring back Mike Conley on a three-year, $72.5 million contract. Conley’s two-way ability and table-setting on offense are vital to the Jazz as currently constructed, and the deal they landed on was reasonable for both sides.

Rudy Gay is also a reasonable addition, another 3/4 who can provide more than Niang did last season and provide some shot creation when Donovan Mitchell is off the court; $6 million per season is fine. The Eric Paschall trade essentially costs just a roster spot as the Jazz sent a highly-protected second-round pick, and he is a childhood friend of Donovan Mitchell and can play some small-ball five. The Hassan Whiteside signing was also low cost, and he can give the Jazz minutes in the regular season so Rudy Gobert is kept to a reasonable minutes load.

Grade: B+

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