The Utah Jazz are still trying to ensure Rudy Gobert never reaches restricted free agency.
With the deadline for extensions fast approaching, Gobert and the Jazz remain locked in contract talks, per The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
Another significant rookie extension conversation that's ongoing: Utah's Rudy Gobert.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 30, 2016
Gobert and the Jazz have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Halloween night to hash out an agreement. If they don’t, though, it’s not the end of the world. Utah owns the right to match any offer Gobert receives once restricted free agency rolls around.
Striking an agreement now just tends to be cheaper. Players are often willing to accept sub-max extensions for the guarantee of lucrative financial security in the coming years. And the Jazz, at this point, can use all the potential discounts they can get.
Rodney Hood will be extension-eligible at the end of this season, and Dante Exum will only be a year behind him. Both Gordon Hayward (player option) and George are slated for free agency next summer, while Derrick Favors will hit the open market by 2018. And by the time the summer of 2018 comes around, the Jazz will also have to start thinking about Trey Lyles, who will be extension eligible in 2019.
Basically, the time for the Jazz to reinvest in their current core is just about here. And with their expenses about to skyrocket, even if they cut bait with some of these players, locking down Gobert long term before he ever has the chance to reach restricted free agency represents security they cannot buy elsewhere at the moment.
