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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason targets for the Utah Jazz

By Akash Anavarathan

Mar 31, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (left) and center Rudy Gobert (27) wait to enter the game during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (left) and center Rudy Gobert (27) wait to enter the game during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kyle Lowry, Raptors
May 3, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kyle Lowry, PG, Toronto Raptors

If the Jazz are unable to re-sign George Hill and if they strike out on Chris Paul — both of which are a strong possibility, look for the Jazz to go after Kyle Lowry. Although he’s 31 years old and looking for a long-term deal at maximum salary, the Jazz shouldn’t hesitate.

With the Toronto Raptors, Lowry had his best season yet, averaging 22.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. He was shooting the ball well from the outside and managed to push the Raptors to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Hobbled by an ankle, Lowry didn’t play most of the series, but his playoff struggles have been noted.

A combination of Lowry and Gobert is certainly going to help convince Hayward to stay in Salt Lake City and help bring the Jazz an NBA Championship that they are starving for. The difference between Lowry and Paul is in the style of play. Paul is a pass-first, defensive-oriented point guard, while the Raptors’ guard thinks to score first.

Quin Snyder could definitely make it work in his system and turn over the reigns to Lowry. It’s been noted that he only wants to play for a championship contender and the Jazz could certainly be in the mix with a few free-agent acquisitions.

It may be scary to give a four or five-year contract to an aging player, but the Jazz are in a place where they can compete in the Western Conference and they need to maximize the potential of Gobert and Hayward right now.

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