NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 potential destinations for George Hill

1

Utah Jazz

West, Northwest

The Jazz could have something special in the works with their current core. Obviously, forward Derrick Favors is probably not coming back. However, it would be awfully hard for Hill to walk away from a strong head coach in Quin Snyder, a solid general manager in Dennis Lindsey, and of course Utah’s two All-Star level players: small forward Gordon Hayward and center Rudy Gobert.

That being said, Hill may need to wait and see what Hayward does in his first taste of unrestricted free agency. While he has become an All-Star with the Jazz, keep in mind that he did sign an offer sheet with the then Charlotte Bobcats during his restricted free agency period a few years back.

Hayward may have come into his own in Salt Lake City, but he could still be harboring some ill will towards his employer. Also, there are two Eastern Conference teams that could be appealing for him: his hometown Indiana Pacers and his college coach Brad Stevens’ current team in the Boston Celtics.

While re-upping with Utah to essentially bring the gang back together doesn’t help Hill or the Jazz win an NBA Championship in 2018, super teams like the Golden State Warriors just aren’t built to last. Utah has developed a strong defensive identity under Snyder. The chemistry his team has is very real and has the ability to lead Utah to multiple playoff series victories.

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While Utah traded for Hill probably in the hopes that he’d re-sign with the club, it could have been just a one-year flier for both parties. Both Hill and the Jazz did good by that trade. Atlanta found a solid three in Green and then there’s Indiana with Teague. If Hayward comes back to the Jazz, expect Hill to do the same. He won’t make the max, but Hill will certainly make more than the $8 million he earned in the final year of his last contract.