The Five People You Meet in (Utah Jazz Offseason) Heaven

(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Before you read the title and think this blog post is about how the Jazz are going to sign Kevin Durant or Mike Conley this summer, be warned that it isn’t about that at all. This is about the five free agents that are most likely to sign with the Jazz this summer. If we are honest with ourselves, the Jazz are not really in the running for any of the top 10 to 15 free agents. But if we did a little deeper, we might be able to find really nice fits, just like the Jazz did with Jeff Withey and Trevor Booker the last few seasons. Maybe former teammates of Booker and Withey’s might find themselves on this list. Without further ado: the 5 free agents we are most likely to see in a Jazz uniform in 2016-17.

Jon Leuer, 6’10” Power Forward

If you just thought to yourself, “Who is Jon Leuer?” then congrats, he now makes a perfect Utah Jazz free agent candidate. Some jokes aside, Leuer is an underrated player and shooter. He probably couldn’t play center in most of the Jazz’s lineups going forward, but the Jazz could offer him a handsome contract and perhaps a similar role that he had in Phoenix last summer. Leuer could be the third and a half big for the Jazz playing behind Gobert, Favors, and Lyles, or ahead of Lyles on some nights when the 20 year old just doesn’t have it. Leuer is a career 38% shooter from 3 point land on just over 2 attempts per 36 minutes and is a decent defensive rebounder.

Made up guesstimate of hypothetical contract with the Jazz: 3 years, $15 million

Eric Gordon, 6’4″ Shooting Guard

Eric Gordon has his flaws as a player. He is injury prone and small for a shooting guard, and he struggles defensively. But when he is healthy, he is a dynamic scoring guard who excels in spot up shooting. Gordon is a career 38% three point shooter, but has shot the long ball at a 41% clip the last 3 seasons as he has had to create less for himself and be a secondary scorer. Signing Gordon to a three year deal would allow him to compete with Alec Burks for the future role of Jazz 3rd wing. The Jazz would have to take a risk and overpay Gordon to win his free agent services, but the Jazz are in a financial situation to do just that. Did I mention that he has shot better than 40% from the 3 point line the last three seasons? The list of guys in the NBA who can make the same claim is very short. Maybe a dozen players.

Made up guesstimate of hypothetical contract with the Jazz: 3 years, $45 million with a team option the 3rd year.

Jared Dudley, 6’7″ Forward

Dudley is a frequent guest of Zach Lowe’s podcast and on said podcast, Dudley has revealed these facts:

• He considers himself a stretch 4 primarily, although he can play some wing minutes
• He has heard good things about playing for Quin Snyder
• He prefers playing in warm cities
• But money talks in free agency

Dudley would be the perfect veteran addition that could play some wing minutes, but mostly play when Lyles is having sophomore moments or when the Jazz need great shooting.

Made up guesstimate of hypothetical contract with the Jazz: 3 years, $30 million

Courtney Lee, 6’5″ Shooting Guard

Lee is going to command a lot of interest from a lot of teams, but he fits both needs for the Jazz in a wing player with his spot up shooting and his above average defense. I think he could even be offered a rare starting spot for an aspiring playoff team. Then again, Charlotte can offer the same. But will Charlotte focus more on Nic Batum in free agency or can they pursue both Batum and Lee?

Made up guesstimate of hypothetical contract with the Jazz: 4 years, $40 million

Mirza Teletovic, 6’10” Power Forward

Teletovic is a gunner attempting nearly 10 three point shots per 36 minutes for his career. He’s also a big body who could play both big positions for the Jazz and hopefully add years to the careers of Favors and Gobert by sparing them big minutes. Teletovic is certainly going to have a lot of interest from teams and will command nearly 8 figures per season.

Made up guesstimate of hypothetical contract with the Jazz: 3 years, $25 million