Fansided

NBA post-free agency power rankings

By Brendon Kleen

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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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) /

7. Utah Jazz

No one knew Donovan Mitchell would be this good, but Utah was the team who had the wherewithal to trade for him when no one else would pull the trigger. They’ve nailed every move since.

Trading for Ricky Rubio ended up being a remarkably well thought-out plan to support Mitchell as a rookie. Each made strides off the ball, and by season’s end, their understanding of how to play with one another was a big driver of the Jazz’s success. Filling out the guard rotation was the priority this summer, and the Jazz re-signed Dante Exum to a three-year, $33 million contract betting that he will grow into a switchable defender and slasher. With the 21st pick, Utah drafted Grayson Allen, a perceived reach by some that came about after Allen dazzled the team in a workout.

Searching for offensive talent to support Mitchell as he grows into a reliable creator on that end, the Jazz inked starting power forward Derrick Favors to a new contract, which will pay him $17 million this year and potentially the next (year two is non-guaranteed).

The Jazz are oriented around Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Those two continuing to grow on both ends will be the biggest factor in how high the Jazz go in the near future. Both are under contract the next three seasons.

The focus is on 2019 for Utah, as for many teams. If they build on an ultra-successful 2017-18 campaign, Utah is certainly a place stars should be looking to go in the interest of winning a championship.

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