How to fix the Utah Jazz in three easy steps – FOXSports.com

Like the Los Angeles Clippers team they beat in the first round, the Jazz have several important free agents they’ll try to re-sign this summer.

Unlike the Clippers, Utah has every reason to believe they’ll bring their squad back intact next season. Gordon Hayward could decide to go join Brad Stevens in Boston, but the Jazz can offer a much more lucrative five-year deal, while the Celtics are limited to just a four-year offer.

Assuming Hayward comes back, Utah should be in play for George Hill. Re-signing the veteran point guard won’t be easy. He has a history of injuries, as we saw this season, but reportedly is looking for a max-level contract.

That might give the Jazz pause, and it should. Committing max money to an injury-prone point guard on the downswing of his career is the kind of decision that can sink your franchise.

So if Hill insists on the max, the Jazz probably have to let him go. If the market is softer than he thinks, or if he’s willing to take a discount to stay with a young, competitive team, then we can play ball.

Replacing Hill would be difficult, especially with Utah right up against the cap should Hayward return. But the Jazz can’t panic. They’re too promising to risk their future.