The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Eight potential trade targets (and how realistic they truly are)

By Jared Woodcox

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 2: Dennis Lindsey of the Utah Jazz and Jerry West of the Golden State Warriors attend Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 2: Dennis Lindsey of the Utah Jazz and Jerry West of the Golden State Warriors attend Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 05: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 05: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Julius Randle

Although there’s been no concrete ties to the Jazz showing interest in Los Angeles Lakers power forward Julius Randle, there certainly have been several reports indicating that the Lakers would be all too happy to move him. The Lakers are in the midst of a nine-game slump and are more than likely looking to make some changes, not only to improve somewhat this season, but also to help position themselves to make some major splashes in free agency this summer, which is obviously their main goal.

Since LA has clearly made Randle so available, it would stand to reason that he could be a potential target for Utah. After all, their power forward situation has been an interesting one as each of Jonas Jerebko, Joe Johnson, Thabo Sefolosha and Derrick Favors (when Rudy Gobert has been healthy) have logged time at the position, but none have set themselves apart as the long-term answer for the Jazz in that regard.

In that case, perhaps Randle could be a nice young talent for Utah to insert at that spot. After all, he is averaging a respectable 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds this season off the bench and could perhaps be ready for a larger role in a more favorable situation. At just 23 years of age, Randle has a lot of untapped potential and could be a solid piece for the Jazz.

However, in actuality, I don’t think he would be the right fit at all for Utah and isn’t one they should heavily pursue whatsoever. Randle’s had some nice minutes but he’s been extremely inconsistent throughout his career in terms of play and effort. Not only that, but one of Utah’s biggest problems this season, especially with Rudy Gobert in action, has been their inability to space the floor. Considering that Randle is shooting just 25.9 percent from three this season on less than one attempt per game, he’d do next to nothing to remedy that.

I’d much prefer that Utah pursued a more reliable stretch-four (even someone such as Mirotic who was mentioned before) over Randle. I just don’t see any way that he makes Utah much better, if at all, and especially since he’s a restricted free agent at the end of this year, LA could just let him walk at the end of the season rather than trading him for expiring contracts which would likely be about all that Utah would be willing or able to offer for him.

And his restricted free agent status makes him somewhat risky as well. What if Utah trades for him, then after the remainder of this season, he gets an offer outside of what the Jazz realistically want to pay him so they just lose out on him or commit too much money on him moving forward? That would be a bad situation to be in.

Luckily, I can’t see Utah’s front office doing anything like that. Randle is certainly available and I think there’s a very good chance he will be moved by the deadline. I just hope the Jazz aren’t the ones that opt to pursue him in any way unless they find some miraculous way to get him for pennies on the dollar.