Trey Burke is going to be the next player on his way out of Utah. The Jazz made a move to acquire veteran point guard George Hill and with a returning Dante Exum, Burke has been made expendable.
On the flipside, as the Jazz are gearing up to move Burke, the team also looks ready to acquire some wing talent. They are apparently interested in veterans Solomon Hill and Luol Deng.
Following from Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune.
The Utah Jazz have expressed interest in acquiring Indiana forward Solomon Hill once the free agency period opens on Thursday night, The Salt Lake Tribune has learned.
Hill’s situation is unique. A former first round pick of the Pacers, Hill is entering his fourth season, and would normally still be on a rookie contract. However, Indiana executive Larry Bird declined the option on his fourth year, making the combo forward an unrestricted free agent.
Multiple league sources say the interest is mutual between the Hill and the Jazz. But that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be obstacles for Utah in its pursuit.
The market for Hill is “fertile,” according to one source, because he is young and can play three positions — power forward, small forward and shooting guard — and a number of teams plan to persue him.
Also, Hill won’t come cheap. The Tribune has learned the former Arizona star is seeking anywhere between $9 and $13 million per year, and multiple teams are willing to meet that number. The money isn’t much of a hurdle for the Jazz, though, as they are far under the salary cap floor.
Hill may have starting opportunities somewhere in the league but if he were to come to Utah, he would almost certainly come off the bench. Sources say, however, Hill is being advised to look for the best situation for him individually, not necessarily a starting gig, and the Jazz are perceived around the NBA as a team on the rise.
Andy Larsen of KSL.com and Salt City Hoops adds more to the report, noting the Jazz are interested in Luol Deng.
Another player I've heard from sources about the Jazz being interested in come free agency: Luol Deng.
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) June 28, 2016
Jody Genessy of the Desert news confirms both reports.
Source tells me Jazz have scouted Solomon Hill "heavily" for a long time and he'd be the preference over Luol Deng. https://t.co/4it7ysxtHJ
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) June 28, 2016
Solomon Hill tweeted the following, noting that he’s most likely on his way out.
control what you can control… #gone
— Solomon Hill (@solohill) June 28, 2016
Following from Marc Stein of ESPN on the Trey Burke front.
Utah is making G Trey Burke available via trade, league sources say, after the recent deal for George Hill and with Dante Exum coming back.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 29, 2016
