5 Recently Eliminated Players Jazz Can Target in Free Agency

The Utah Jazz enter this year's free agency with some of the most cap space in the entirety of the league. With this ample amount of cap space, it's likely we see a spending spree for the team entering next season. We've even heard CEO Danny Ainge propose such an idea in his exit press conference.

With this immense opportunity to add some talent, the Jazz should be doing their homework on the incoming free agency class. Thankfully, the coming months of playoff basketball will be able to help the front office gather some extra information on who will be available on the open market.

We've already seen the playoff hopes of some teams come and go within the past few days, so we're able to get somewhat of an early look of some of the players that will be entering free agency.

Here's 5 players that have had some early playoff exits that the Jazz could potentially target in free agency this offseason.

1. Cameron Johnson, F, Brooklyn Nets

Coming off of one of his most productive career stints with the Brooklyn Nets post-KD trade, Cameron Johnson will be hitting the open market this offseason. Considering his averages of over 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, it's likely the Nets' forward will be looking for a pay-raise.

The Jazz and Johnson could be a perfect fit together if a deal were to take place. He provides some always-valuable 3-and-D ability in the frontcourt; a skillset that could mesh extremely well playing alongside Lauri Markkanen. Signing the third year forward could effectively create a respectable frontcourt core for the future in Utah.

2. Caris LeVert, G, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the playoffs with some lofty expectations, with most picking them to take down the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks had other plans; winning the series in five games, leading to the Cavs' eventual postseasn disappointment.

With this disappoiting playoff exit, there's potential for some roster turnaround in Cleveland, with one of the potential players moved being wing Caris LeVert. A player who's infamously known one of the more hot-and-cold, streaky players in the league could still be a nice addition to Utah.

Despite his reputation, his efficiency numbers weren't terrible this past season, shooting over 43% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. A player with LeVert's scoring ability could be a valuable depth piece for a team such as the Jazz, who may have postseason aspirations once next season rolls around.

3. Mason Plumlee, C, Los Angeles Clippers

Plumlee, while the oldest player on this list, has nicely developed into one of the better role playing big men in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers. A veteran big man like Plumlee could not only help with the development of Rookie of the Year candidate Walker Kessler, but could also be a quality backup center for the Jazz.

While playing for both the Charlotte Hornets and LA last season, Plumlee averaged a collective 10.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. While he's not a flashy addition by any means, the opportunity to sign Plumlee could help elevate the Jazz more than fans may initially think.

4. Naz Reid, C, Minnesota Timberwolves

If the Jazz instead wanted to with a younger option at center this free agency, Naz Reid could be one of the best on the market. Reid is a little undersized as a center, standing at 6'9, but been one of the better young bigs in the league over the past couple seasons.

Backing up the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert this season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, he averaged over 11 points and 4 rebounds in 68 total games during the regular season. If the Jazz were interested in adding some more youth to their core of existing frontcourt members, then Reid could prove to be one of the better additions during this free agency period.

5. Yuta Watanabe, F, Brooklyn Nets

One thing the Jazz consistently struggled with this past season was their overall three-point efficiency. While Utah was near the top of the league in terms of three-point shots taken in the regular season last year, they were in the bottom half in terms of efficiency; shooting below 36% on the season.

Signing a player like Yuta Watanabe can help alleviate some of these shooting woes. He's coming off a season shooting a career-high 44% from behind the arc coming off the bench for the Nets.

He enters this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. With the recent turnaround that's been in place with the Brooklyn Nets, along with only logging minutes in one game during this year's playoffs, it's likely we see Watanabe looking for a new franchise to call home this summer

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