The Crazy Point Guard Situation
As the free agent frenzy begins, so too does the trade market, which could be a frenzy of its own with more teams than ever before under the cap, easing the ability to complete deals. This is where Utah’s point guard situation comes into play.
David Kahn would be proud of what the team has done. After struggling to find consistency at the position last season, the Jazz suddenly have five point guards on the roster, with two more–Tyrone Wallace and Marcus Paige–incoming as second round draft picks.
In other words, something has to give.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Namely, Trey Burke and the $3.3 million he is guaranteed next season.
Barring some crazy, he won’t be with the Utah Jazz next season. Either he’ll be moved this summer or the team will buy him out. Potential landing spots include the Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons, although a player with Burke’s potential as a backup point guard and bench scoring threat could be attractive to a number of teams.
However, given his situation in Utah, the team could have a difficult time getting something of value back in return for him.
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The Jazz also have to decide what to do with Shelvin Mack. He played well for the team last season, but the Jazz have the option to keep or release him. With Dante Exum set to return and Hill now in the fold, there’s a chance that he’s become expendable and his contract is very moveable.
The team could also look to move Raul Neto, but given the fact that his deal is super cheap–he’s owed less than $2 million over the next two years–and he’s still a young player, he could remain an attractive piece for the Jazz going forward.