Jazz Showing Interest In Wizards F Bobby Portis

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – According to multiple reports, the Utah Jazz are interested in Washington Wizards restricted free agent forward Bobby Portis.

The Jazz are not the only team that is interested in Portis’ services. The Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic and New York Knicks are among the teams that have shown interest in Portis.

The Wizards are expected to make a qualifying offer around $3.6 million to make him a restricted free agent, which will give Washington the opportunity to match any offer that Portis signs during free agency.

It has also been reported that Portis is interested in playing for the Jazz.

Bobby Portis is expected to draw interest from 5-10 teams in restricted free agency including the Lakers, Clippers and Jazz, I’m told. But will anyone meet his asking price?

How his market is developing ahead of June 30: https://t.co/WK77oJMeeM

— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) June 19, 2019

Drafted with the 22nd overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Portis is wrapping up his rookie contract. He was drafted to the Chicago Bulls and spent three and a half seasons in the Windy City before being traded to Washington with Jabari Parker in exchange for Otto Porter.

Portis is coming off of a career-best 14.3 points per game this past season in 28 games with the Wizards.

The Jazz have options to clear up space for Portis. They would have to decline the $16 million option on Derrick Favors. As it stands right now, the Jazz don’t have the salary cap space to sign Portis if they keep Favors.

Would Bobby Portis be a good fit for the #UtahJazz in free agency? He did post career highs in points and rebounds last season. Has shown the ability to crash the offensive glass, score in the lane and from 3 point range. Also a solid 75% from FT.https://t.co/sEremMN5nu

— Sam Farnsworth (@SFarnsworthKSL) June 23, 2019

The question is, the Jazz have until July 6 to decide whether they want to keep Favors or not. If Portis waits longer than that, the Jazz would have figure out if it is worth pursuing Portis.

He shot a career-best 40 percent from downtown in the short time with the Wizards and has a career percentage of 36 from the perimeter and would help the Jazz’s need for a stretch four.