SoCalJazzFan wrote:I think that Hayward stays. I think that he is a 1B player who will be making 1A money, and thus arguably overpaid, but hopefully continues to improve to that 1A status, and markets like Utah have to overpay to keep their best players.
Hmm... I don't know. I think Hayward is a legit All-Star player. I see what you're saying...he's just a hair below maybe a Jimmy Butler, and MAYBE Paul George (honestly...he played better than George most of the season). I think Hayward's a legitimate max player. He's constantly improved his play, consistency, and he's been pretty durable overall. I was really impressed by his performance in the Playoffs. Take away the sick game and he averaged nearly 27pts a game. He played with a ton of heart, hustled, and played with extreme confidence. In the Playoffs opposing defenses honed in on him, and he actually played at a higher level than his regular season-self.
It's a short list of SF's in the league who are better than him... Lebron, Durant, Kawhi, Butler... I'd argue that Hayward is the 5th best player at his position in the NBA right now. Many might argue PG13 is better, and they might (barely) be right...but I give it to Hayward on character alone. Hayward has been nothing but a class act during his entire time on the Jazz...even when the Jazz completely sucked, and they had arguably the worst coach in the NBA. By contrast PG13 has been borderline toxic to his team this entire season. They're struggling (but still made the playoffs), and he's been calling his team out all year, while also playing like garbage for the entire first half of the season.
SoCalJazzFan wrote:It would be a risk for anyone to take on Favors or Burks, given their propensity for injury.
I really struggle to see any way Burks is in a Jazz uniform this coming season. He's the most logical piece that we need to move...and we probably aim to do it in a salary dump situation. We need to clear space to resign Hayward, Hill (or another decent PG)... and definitely Ingles. From a salary standpoint I'd say Withey, and Mack are not offered to return to the team. Burks' salary is pretty low, so even with the injuries I don't think he'll be that difficult to move.
SoCalJazzFan wrote:I doubt that the Jazz can afford Hill, or would be willing to pay him what would be necessary at this stage of his career, which is a bummer since he is such a great fit. Do the Jazz trade another pick for a vet PG on the last year or two of their contract again who can either run the show or be a good back up? Not sure who that would be off hand.
I've been mostly on the side that says the Jazz have no real way to keep Hill...BUT... that was earlier in the season when Hill's value was realistically higher. The amount of games he missed, his age, and basically missing the entire 2nd round playoffs series probably makes a dent in his value this offseason. I believe there's a possibility that Hill struggles to find a deal that's even as good as the extension that the Jazz already offered him mid-season. Unless some (Please Use More Appropriate Word) team throws an unreasonable deal at him, I think we've got good chances to see him back. There's also a chance that the Jazz take a look at other options here (Lowry), but I think our chances at retaining Hill are pretty high...and for decent value.
SoCalJazzFan wrote:For cap purposes, I'm guessing Diaw is gone.
You might be right, but for the money I think Diaw is still a great value. If they can make it work, I think they try to keep him in the lineup. He's unbelievably valuable for us this season considering the injuries & Lyles turning out to be half-retarded.
SoCalJazzFan wrote:I'd be surprised if the Jazz traded Joe Johnson, but he would be good trade bait in the right deal.
There's no way they move Joe. He's been such a valuable player for us in so many ways. He's as good as it gets from the 3, he's super versatile from a line-up standpoint, and the guy is exactly the type of personality/character they want... a class act, and true professional.