NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Utah Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 6: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz high-five during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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2. Aaron Gordon

If the Jazz opt to clear their cap holds and free up as much cap room as possible, Aaron Gordon would probably be the free agent that best fits their roster needs. With crazy leaping ability, an improved shooting touch and switchability on defense, Gordon is the type of player that could raise Utah’s ceiling on both ends of the floor.

Gordon took major strides as an offensive player this pat year, finally playing a ton of power forward after being miscast as a three man during 2017. Perhaps the most substantial change to his game was a significant increase in attempts from deep. Gordon took 40 percent of his total shots from 3-point range last year, a career high by a mile. The former Arizona man began the season on fire from long range, but progressively cooled as the year wore on. He converted from deep at career best rate of 33.6 percent, a mark that is still below league average. Although he’s not a great shooter, Gordon is competent and willing, which suggest that he has the potential to become a legit floor spacer.

Given his incredible athleticism though, reducing Gordon to a floor spacer would naturally be a basketball tragedy. This guy has a growing bag of tricks that are useful even if he never becomes a great shooter from 3-point land. Gordon can set screens, roll to the rim or pop out on pick and rolls, and find can open teammates when the first line of defense has been punctured. This past year he also took on a grater portion of Orlando’s ball handling duties. His diverse skill set could grow and thrive in Coach Snyder’s system.

Although defense has long been Utah’s forte, the Jazz need to make some specific changes on that end to improve. With Golden State and Houston entrenched as the favorites in the West (for the time being) having players that can switch onto anyone is an absolute necessity. Gordon fits that archetype. He’s not some kind of lockdown defender and he’s not always engaged, but Gordon is solid at worst and has the potential to be great on defense. Furthermore, a Gordon-Gobert frontcourt pairing would be legitimately terrifying on the defensive end. Opponents would have to deal with a ridiculous level of athleticism.

The obvious issue in pursuing Gordon is that he’s a restricted free agent, so the Magic can match any offer Utah makes. Although Gordon probably isn’t the type of player that can be a franchise cornerstone, he’s a promising young piece on a team without much talent. It’s hard to imagine Orlando letting Gordon walk, even if his price tag gets steep. A sign and trade would theoretically be possible if the Jazz are unwilling to tie up their cap space by playing the waiting game in restricted free agency. A workable deal that makes sense for both teams is difficult to come up with though.

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