Projecting How Jazz Might Use $45M in Cap Space in Free Agency

The Utah Jazz are sitting on a war chest of resources to reshape the roster, but what is the best path forward?

After the Denver Nuggets were crowned NBA Champions, both Utah Jazz and NBA fans have shifted their focus to the upcoming NBA draft. If you look a little further down the line, free agency begins in less than two weeks. 

After disassembling the previous iteration of the team, the Jazz have amassed slightly over $45 million in projected salary-cap space this summer, which is second only to the Houston Rockets. 

How will the Jazz use that money? Let’s examine the prime options.

Housekeeping

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The Jazz currently await the contract decisions from Jordan Clarkson ($14.M), Talen Horton-Tucker ($11.0M), and Rudy Gay ($6.48M). We can safely assume that Gay will accept his player option. Both Clarkson and 'THT' are a bit more uncertain, but barring an extension, expect Clarkson to hit the open market.

It's also worth noting that while the Jazz do have a great deal of cap space this offseason, they could look to preserve that for a more star-studded free-agent class in 2024 that, as of right now, would include names like Jaylen Brown, Dejounte Murray, OG Anunoby, & Pascal Siakam.

Trade | Option A: Acquire Talent 

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Jazz fans know all too well how quickly an organization can change course. The Jazz are one of the best-positioned teams to pounce on the next star that becomes available. 

While it still feels early in the rebuild, the Jazz could certainly look to add to their core, which consists of 26-year-old All-Star Lauri Markkanen, promising sophomores Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji, as well as explosive combo guard Collin Sexton.

Names to watch: Pelicans F Zion Williamson, Pelicans W Brandon Ingram, Raptors F OG Anunoby, Raptors F Pascal Siakam, Bulls W Zach Lavine, and Hawks G Dejounte Murray.

Trade | Option B: Acquire Assets & Contracts 

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A tactic that rebuilding teams have used to accumulate assets is taking on unwanted contracts with draft picks attached. This is how the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Utah's first-round pick in next year's draft.

Names to watch: Hawks F John Collins, Mavericks F Davis Bertans, Nets W Joe Harris, Clippers F Robert Covington, and Clippers F Marcus Morris.

Unrestricted Free Agents

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Kyle Kuzma | F | Wizards: The former Ute is headed for unrestricted free agency, and with the Washington Wizards likely undergoing a full rebuild, Kuzma could be looking for a new home. The 6-foot-9 forward would slide in nicely alongside Markkanen and Kessler. Kuzman won’t come cheap, though.

Bruce Brown | W | Nuggets: Fresh off winning the title, Brown is in for a pay raise. He proved his value throughout the season as a tough defender and 'glue guy,' who consistently makes winning plays.

Jalen McDaniels | W | 76ers: Someone the Jazz were rumored to have interest in, McDaniels is a long, rangy wing who brings a lot to the table defensively.

Restricted Free Agents

PJ Washington | F Hornets: One of my favorite potential targets for Utah is Washington, who’s flown under the radar on some poor Hornets teams. He is a versatile defender who can play both the power forward and center positions. He’s a career 36.6% three-point shooter and averaged nearly 16 points per last season. 

Coby White | G | Bulls: Despite not living up to his top-10 draft pedigree, White has turned into a solid all-around guard. He would bring a scoring punch and untapped potential to the Jazz backcourt.

Cam Reddish | W | Trail Blazers: This is a personal inclusion. Athletic 6-foot-8 wings that can dribble, shoot, and (theoretically) defend are extremely valuable. I’m still waiting for Reddish to put it all together.

Other names to watch: Nets W Cam Johnson, Lakers G Austin Reaves, Lakers F Rui Hachimura, Celtics F Grant Williams, Bulls G Ayo Dosunmu.

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