Derrick Favors plans to sign with NBA G League team

The Utah Jazz recently traded away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. During their era, why could those talented teams not take the next step? Derrick Favors: I think we just got hurt at the wrong time. That last year, when we went to the playoffs, and we lost to the Clippers, they were a good team, but I think we could’ve beat them, but Mike Conley ended up getting hurt. Donovan Mitchell also got hurt. We were down our two leading guys. You’ve also got to remember that we were going up against Houston and Golden State when they had the best record in the league and the best team. Houston had James Harden at the time, winning 65 games. I think some of it was matchups, going against two historically great offensive teams. We couldn’t match up with them, but who could in the league? If it wasn’t for Golden State, Houston probably would’ve won championships. If it wasn’t for those two teams, we could’ve won a championship. -via HoopsHype / October 14, 2023

How long do you want to continue playing professionally? Derrick Favors: I’m 32. I want to keep paying until my body tells me I can’t play anymore. I’m playing until the wheels fall off. I still feel like I’ve got a lot more years left in me, and I still feel like I can compete at a high level. I still feel like I can help a team. I think I’ve shown in the past that I can adjust to any role that I’m in. I can come into the game on the offensive and defensive end. I can still do a lot of things out there on the court with the right team and the right situation to help a team either win a championship or be a mentor to a younger team. -via HoopsHype / October 14, 2023

How did you find out about the Deron Williams trade, and what was your reaction? Derrick Favors: I was 19 at the time. The funny thing about that is as soon as I got drafted around training camp and preseason time, that was the Carmelo Anthony trade talks where New Jersey wanted Carmelo. I had to deal with those trade rumors up to February. Once Melo got traded to the Knicks, I relaxed because I thought maybe my name wouldn’t be in more trade rumors. Then the Deron Williams trade happens with Utah the next day or two. I found out when I think I was told to go home by the assistant GM right after the All-Star break. I didn’t know what was going on, and I don’t think anybody knew. Then, it just happened right there on ESPN. -via HoopsHype / October 14, 2023