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

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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May 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jonathon Simmons (17) points in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jonathon Simmons, SG, San Antonio Spurs

Alright, so another free agent for the Utah Jazz is Joe Ingles, which means Lindsey and Snyder need a backup plan. Ingles is restricted, but I’m not sure if Utah will just go ahead and match any offer sheet that the shooting guard is signed to.

On the other hand, the Spurs are looking to clear some cap space and could be okay with parting ways with Simmons. Mini Kawhi Leonard 2.0, Simmons would be a fantastic get for the Jazz if they aren’t able to retain Ingles.

The former D-League star came on strong for the San Antonio Spurs and was invaluable when Kawhi Leonard went down in the playoffs. Per 36 minutes, Simmons is averaging 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Spurs.

Defensively, head coach Gregg Popovich put the challenge on SImmons to be a solid defender and ease the load on Kawhi Leonard. He can guard most of the guards and even some small forwards. After Leonard went down, Simmons took a huge portion of the scoring load, was even handling the ball a lot and distributing some.

It might be the Spurs’ system that’s making Simmons look great, but here’s a freak athlete that’s waiting to break loose. Ingles might get a bigger offer from another team and leave Utah, but no need to fear Jazz fans, replace him with Simmons.

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