Earlier today, Chuck Myron released the first edition of the 2014 Free Agency Power Rankings. Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, comes in at No. 8 on the list. Utah was unable to hammer out an extension with the soon-to-be 24-year-old before the season began and it seems like they’ll have to pay a hefty price to hang on to him this offseason. More out of the Northwest..
- It may come as a surprise, but Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports hears from a source that the Jazz never seriously pursued Jimmer Fredette. The former BYU superstar was on the open market after being bought out by the Kings and, of course, wound up inking a deal with the Bulls.
- Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman has a Q&A with the newest member of the Thunder, Caron Butler. Within the interview session, the veteran touches on why he chose to join OKC and what he brings to the Western Conference power.
- The Nuggets have a rising prospect waiting in the wings in Europe’s Joffrey Lauvergne, writes Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post. The 22-year-old, currently playing in Serbia, was selected with the 55th pick in last year’s NBA draft by the Grizzlies and traded to the Nuggets on draft night. The 6-foot-11 power forward and center is turning heads with his stretch four skillset and three-point range.