Adrian Dantley, Jeff Hornacek and the five best trades in Utah Jazz history
By Ryan Aston
3) Jazz acquire ‘The Knicks Pick’; February 19, 2004
Utah deals Keon Clark and Ben Handlogten to the Phoenix Suns for Tom Gugliotta, two first-round draft picks and a second-round draft pick.
Given Gordon Hayward’s decision to move Eastward, it’s hard to give this one its due, but here goes…
It’s crazy to think about, but the pick that was used to draft Hayward was actually acquired way back in 2004 when the Jazz were still figuring things out after the Stockton/Malone/Sloan era had finally come to an end. For context, the future NBA All-Star was still in middle school when the deal was made.
In the end, it became one of the NBA’s ultimate “something for nothing” trades. It was also arguably the best move Kevin O’Connor ever made as Jazz GM.
Utah dealt Keon Clark, who was no longer part of the team, and Ben Handlogten, a likeable guy and a hard worker (if not an NBA-level talent), for the pick that would one day become Utah’s floor leader.
The Suns originally acquired the pick from the New York Knicks. Although it was loaded with protections, the combination of Scott Layden/Isiah Thomas-led front offices and major injuries to Allan Houston and Antonio McDyess ensured that the Knicks would suck forever.
So the countdown began.
Year after year, the Knicks struggled through embarrassing seasons (not unlike the Knicks of 2017). Finally, in 2010, the time had come to pay the piper–the pick was unprotected. After years of waiting, the fabled Knicks pick belonged to the Jazz.
The lottery didn’t quite work out in their favor and the pick fell all the way to No. 9, but that pick became Hayward. Proof positive that good things come to those who wait.
Then good things get the seven-year itch and head to Boston.
Next: Jazz get Horny