Derrick Favors wants to return to the Jazz. But, he plans to test free agency first.
The 26-year-old forward said in a recent interview with The Salt Lake Tribune he is hoping to sign a new contract with Utah. Favors, however, said he is going to explore what other opportunities are available.
“I know they want me back, and I want to come back,” Favors said to the Tribune. “But, it’s a business and a numbers game, so we’ll have to see.”
Favors is an unrestricted free agent this summer. He averaged 12.3 points and 7.2 rebounds in 28 minutes per game in 2017-18.
“I’m really looking forward to next season,” Favors said. “A lot of what will happen depends on other players and other teams.”
Favors was originally selected with the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Nets. He spent just half a season with the team before he was dealt to Utah as part of the Deron Williams trade.
The Jazz finished last season with a 48-34 record and earned the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Utah topped the Thunder in its opening-round series before falling to the Rockets.