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Summary

After being traded from Utah last summer, Favors got to be be a full-time center, his natural position, in New Orleans this season. After missing some time early in the season, the Pelicans benefited greatly after Favors returned. Favors helped anchor the Pelicans defense, as he is one of the better rim protectors in the league.

 

Favors isn't the most agile defender on the perimeter, but he can hold is own after switches, and is capable dropping back in pick-and-roll coverage. On offense, Favors is an above-average finisher at the rim (87th percentile for his position, per Cleaning the Glass), while also having the ability to hit the occasional midrange jumper. He isn't an explosive leaper, but he has enough functional athleticism to still be a lob threat.

Cap Considerations

Favors will be an unrestricted free agent with full Bird rights. As his cap hold ($26.5 million) exceeds the salary he will get in free agency, his cap hold is not really relevant. If the Pelicans re-sign Favors, his cap hold will be replaced by his starting salary, and the Pelicans may still have some cap space available depending on his salary and what happens with their other free agents.

 

If Favors is brought back by the Pelicans on a multi-year contract, they could benefit from frontloading his contract, as it could give them additional flexibility in the future.

 

Favors will probably demand a starting salary of more than the full $9.3 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, which means only teams with cap space will be able to sign him. If Favors and an over-the-cap team have mutual interest, sign-and-trade options can be explored.

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Potential Teams: Pelicans, Celtics, Raptors, Hornets, Trailblazers

Predicted Contract: 2-year, $20 million with the Pelicans

Actual Contract: 3-year, $29.2 million (player option) with the Jazz

Favors got a similar contract to what I expected, but didn't expect him to return to Utah.

Last updated: 12/31/2020

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