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Offseason Moves for the Jazz

The Jazz are in a great spot right now. Stacked with a young core fresh off a second-round playoff appearance, things seem like they can only go up. But in order to climb the ladder in the West, the Jazz need to make moves this summer.

However, this may prove difficult for the organization, because as it sits right now, the Jazz may only have around $10 million in cap space.

The following is what I would do if I were in Dennis Lindsey's seat (but thank the Lord I'm not).

Step 1) Find a trade partner for Alec Burks. When Burks is healthy, he can play well and fits in with Quin Snyder's system. But for the past few years, he has been battling injury after injury. This past season, he did play 65 games and posted a 13.1 PER, but in very limited minutes (he averaged 16.5 per game). He just hasn't been the same player he was back in 2014, and, in my opinion, isn't worth the $11.5 million price tag. The Jazz should seek either a late first-round pick or a two second-rounders plus some cash in exchange for the sixth-year man and possibly their first-round pick.

Step 2) Re-sign Derrick Favors and Dante Exum. Favors was an instrumental player in the Jazz's playoff run. Even though a frontcourt with him and Rudy Gobert is a bit of a logjam, the two play well with each other (while on the court together, they produced a 7.2 net rating), and the team plays better with him on the court. Though he may be a bit expensive, the Jazz would be able to afford him after clearing out Burks' contract. Exum is also a key player, when healthy, and can serve as an excellent backup to Rubio. Both guys are important cogs to keep in the Jazz's system, and getting them back on the court in the navy-and-gold (or red-and-orange) is vital.

Step 3) Sign free agents that will fit the system. The Jazz were able to bolster their lineup at the trade deadline with the addition of Jae Crowder, and he allowed the Jazz to run more of a small-ball lineup with him at the four and Favors at the five. Looking at the competition in the West, more and more teams are shifting to these smaller lineups, and the Jazz should pursue a guy who can fit that role. Think Luc Mbah a Moute. The 6'8" wing can play both the three and the four, and is a premier defender. He signed with the Rockets last summer for $2.2 million. Though likely he will return to Houston, he would be a perfect fit with the Jazz. Another player the Jazz should go after is Joe Harris from the Nets. Harris is a sharp-shooter and would give the Jazz another serious outside threat. Harris shot nearly 42% from three this past season, and posted a TS% of .634. He could be a valuable asset and would give the Jazz a solid shooter off the bench.

The Jazz are in a great spot to be in now, but I want to see them up there competing with the Warriors and Rockets for a trip to the Finals. I believe they can get there, but some pieces need to be added, and moves need to be made.

All comments are the opinion of the commenter and not necessarily that of SLC Dunk or SB Nation.