Utah Jazz, Swingman Rodney Hood Talking Contract Extension

It’s that time again. Rodney Hood, drafted by the Jazz in 2013, is nearing the end of his rookie deal.

As is usually the Jazz MO, both parties have been discussing the option of an extension. With the departure of Gordon Hayward and George Hill, the team pretty much has Rodney, Joe Ingles, and a largely unproven but exciting prospect in Donovan Mitchell to provide perimeter shooting.

Despite Hood’s inconsistency from the field, it’s clear that Dennis Lindsey and Quin Snyder think that they can rely on him to produce more than he has.

Jazz fans shouldn’t expect a deal to get done before late this month or the middle of next month. According to Tony Jones, my very favorite (and never, ever condescending or aloof) Jazz beat writer, the two sides have until October 16 to get a deal done. If they can’t agree, Rodney will become a restricted free agent next summer.

By all accounts, he likes it here, and the Jazz brass like having him. However, (warning: cliché ahead) this league is a business, and if he thinks he can get more money by entering restricted free agency, he almost undoubtedly will, and the Jazz will have to decide later, after seeing him in action for another season if they want to pay him.