Julius Randle – Utah Jazz
Los Angeles Lakers forward, Julius Randle, is one of the more intriguing free agents set to hit the open market. With the Lakers’ focus leaning towards signing top-tier free agents, chances are that Randle will be playing elsewhere next season, and the race to get him should be robust. But the Utah Jazz are the team who could benefit the most from landing the former Kentucky standout.
Last season, Randle impressed the Lakers’ faithful. Averaging a career-high 16.1 points, as well as eight rebounds per game in just 26.7 minutes a night, he was a staple in their rotation. Randle is an all-around player. He defends the post well, is athletic, an underrated passer, and can serve as a reliable scoring option.
The Jazz surprised the NBA world last season when they made it back to the playoffs after losing Gordon Hayward and George Hill to free agency. When the Jazz made it to the playoffs, they were able to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, and while they lost in five games, put up a respectable fight against the Rockets. But a core is clearly in place in Utah. Combo guard Donovan Mitchell put together an astonishing rookie season and is arguably the most prominent piece in head coach Quin Snyder’s rotation.
Rudy Gobert is the best defensive center in the NBA, and one of the best all-around players at his position. Forward Joe Ingles and point guard Ricky Rubio also strung together impressive campaigns last season. Insert Randle into their lineup, and the Jazz could begin to legitimately challenge the Rockets and Golden State Warriors out West.