3 Jazz Free Agency Targets To Watch in the Conference Finals

Four teams remain in an exciting race during these NBA Playoffs to hoist the Larry O’Brien in June. During these games, Utah Jazz fans may find some interest in who could be available to sign onto their team come July’s free agency.

With over $40 million projected in practical cap space, the Jazz have an immense ability to spend a few bucks on some available guys. Also, considering guys such as Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Damian Jones entering the offseason with pending player options, as well as Juan Toscano-Anderson and Udoka Azubuike being unrestricted free agents, we likely won’t see every face returning to the roster next season.

WIth this in mind, there’s a few interesting upcoming opposing free agents to hit the market the Jazz can scout in these conference finals. A potential investment that would likely result in some improved team success, considering they’ve been a big part of some winning basketball this postseason.

All of that being said, here’s three free agents the Jazz could target to watch in the 2023 NBA Conference Finals:

Bruce Brown, SG, Denver Nuggets

2022-23 Stats: 11.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.4 apg
Age: 26
Expected Contract: $12-$16M/yr
Role: Starting Defensive-Minded Wing

One of the better two-way wings in this year’s free agency class, Brown could be in for a payday this summer. He’ll enter with a player option worth a little over $6 million, but considering the production he’s had for Denver this season, that’ll likely look to be declined.

If anything, Brown is ultimately a safe addition to the team next year. By that, I mean his playstyle can virtually fit any NBA team. He’s consistently been an impact defender while also maintaining at least average shooting efficiency. Despite his 35% three-point shooting this regular season, and a dip to a current 28%, we’ve seen him put up numbers above 40%, such as in the 2021-22 regular season.

This postseason, we’ve even see Jazz insiders, such as Tony Jones of The Athletic give immense praise to the Denver guard’s impact during their Western Conference Finals run:

As Denver and Los Angeles prepare for tonight's Game 2, Bruce Brown has been a reason the Nuggets are so good. A story on the dynamic sixth man, is here - https://t.co/HOz7NsEwSm
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) May 18, 2023

You'd have to think there’d be some interest in giving Brown more opportunity on a team with less expectations than the Nuggets. Putting Brown on a team where he’d have an advanced offensive responsibility could allow his full skillset to shine in Utah.

D’Angelo Russell, PG, Los Angeles Lakers

2022-23 Stats: 17.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 6.2 apg
Age: 27
Expected Contract: $25-$30M/yr
Role: Starting Playmaking Guard

A piece of the Jazz’s three-team trade deadline deal, Russell could be a great fit as Utah’s next starting guard. He’s currently 27 entering his prime years of his career, so securing his services on a long-term deal could bring some security to the position. We’ve already heard rumblings from ESPN of Russell’s potential unhappiness with a playoff bench role.

“Russell — who shot just 4-for-11 and played only nine minutes in the second half after registering a plus-minus of -23 in 17 first-half minutes — would naturally be under consideration; however, multiple team sources told ESPN that there is concern the team could “lose” the 27-year-old point guard if he views the adjustment as a demotion after starting every other game this postseason.”

- Dave McMenamin of

ESPN

If Russell values his starting role highly moving forward, the Jazz can likely offer that opportunity for the duration of his next contract. Despite his shaky postseason up to this point with inefficiencies and defensive performances, we’ve seen how the Lakers were able to improve as a team once trading for him. A versatile offensive guard in D’Angelo might be necessary in Utah.

Grant Williams, PF, Boston Celtics

2022-23 Stats: 8.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.7 apg
Age: 22
Expected Contract: $8-$12M/yr
Role: Rotational Power Forward

With Danny Ainge’s history with the Celtics, signing a player to Utah that also fits that mold isn’t too hard to imagine. Williams could be a perfect role player to slot into the Jazz rotation for next season.

We’ve seen his opportunity within the Celtics’ diminish this postseason, considering his minutes dropping to an average of 12.9 a game opposed to last year’s 27.3. This could be a telling sign for how his free agency may go with Boston. A young forward who’s been tested with immense playoff experience early in his career might be exactly what the Jazz could use to kick off this rebuild correctly.

Considering the aging Rudy Gay, 27-year-old rookie Simone Fontecchio, and pending free agent Juan Toscano-Anderson being the current depth at forward, adding another younger option in free agency may be wise.

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