Five Things the Utah Jazz Need to Make the Playoffs

Trade Away Unnecessary Pieces For Value

It’s inevitable that every team will have a few players that warm the bench and don’t seem to have much of a role. However, the Jazz should look to make trades with pieces that still have value in the league, but may not necessarily be a fit with the blue, green and gold any longer.

I’m confident that the first name that comes to most of our minds upon reading this is Trey Burke.

Burke saw improvements in his third season in the league, yet his struggles on defense just didn’t fit in with Coach Snyder’s game plan. By the end of the season, Burke saw his minutes completely eaten up by Shelvin Mack and Raul Neto. Once Dante Exum returns and a free agent point guard is potentially added, Burke’s spot on the team will be all but lost.

Nevertheless, Burke certainly could still be valuable to several teams in the Association. The Jazz should look to move him in return for a solid backup or perhaps as a backup plan for a top target they might miss out on in free agency.

While Burke is the most obvious player in this category, the Jazz will have to consider the effectiveness and long-term fit of players such as Trevor Booker, Joe Ingles and Jeff Withey. All have certain positive characteristics (including the oft-understated chemistry and cohesiveness), yet might not be as valuable in comparison to what they could get in return to create a better roster fit.

If the Jazz truly hope to improve, they will have to be willing to part ways with any players that may be more of an obstacle than a solution in the long run.

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