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Rumor Central: Derrick Favors unfazed by trade rumors?

There have been a few rumblings and speculation over the past year that Utah Jazz big man Derrick Favors could be put into the trade market, but so far nothing has come of it. When asked, Favors says the rumors don't bother him.

"The key is for me not to think about it," Favors told The Salt Lake Tribune. "I don't read the articles. I don't read Twitter. I just don't pay attention to it. ... I have to keep working on my game. And when I'm in the game, I just have to know that I'm not only playing for my team, but I'm showcasing my talent as well."

Favors, according to the Tribune, prefers to stay with the Jazz long-term, but understands the NBA is a business and he could be traded if the Jazz receive a good offer. Favors, in his eighth year with the Jazz, is playing in the last season of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1, if he doesn't sign an extension.

Favors has been asked to step up for the Jazz, as starting center Rudy Gobert is out for at least four weeks recovering from a bone bruise on his right tibia.

"It’s nothing new," Favors said. "I know I’m going to have to work hard, and I know I'm going to be counted on to produce. I'm ready for it."

Favors has dealt with injuries the past two years, and in 2016-17, he missed 32 games in the regular season. So far in 2017-18, Favors has started all 15 games played by the Jazz and is averaging 10.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

-- Nick Silva

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