The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Available players that could be pursued in a trade

By Jared Woodcox

Dennis Lindsey, Utah Jazz. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dennis Lindsey, Utah Jazz. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers takes a free throw in the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers takes a free throw in the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

Lou Williams

Ironically enough, Lou Williams is a player that the Utah Jazz were reportedly interested in at last year’s trade deadline although no such deal came to fruition and instead the sixth man extraordinaire was moved to the Houston Rockets. He now finds himself as a member of the LA Clippers, where he landed as part of the Chris Paul deal, and is potentially on the trade block once again.

But Williams certainly looks as though he’d be an excellent piece if added to the right situation. He’s putting up a career-high 21.9 points per game on 44.5 percent shooting from the field and a career-best 40.6 percent from the three-point line. Lou has always been an excellent scorer and his improved efficiency this season has made him even more of a weapon.

He’s also on an expiring contract worth just $7 million this season, which makes him a nice low-risk option for a team looking for a boost to close out the year.

https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/948283390448422913

I actually really like Lou Williams and was all aboard the train to trade for him last year to add an electrifying shooter that’s been much more reliable than Rodney Hood. If Williams had more than just this year left on his contract for that affordable amount, I’d be all for the Jazz making a move for him. However, there’s a slim chance that he would stick around after this year and he’ll very likely command a higher salary after this season as well.

Therefore, while Utah could certainly make use of his scoring ability especially in his exceptional sixth man role, it probably doesn’t quite make sense at this year’s deadline. In terms of pure talent, Williams would likely be a nice fit. Unfortunately, with a playoff push seeming somewhat bleak at this point of the season, he likely doesn’t help the Jazz enough long-term which will be more what they’re looking for at this season’s deadline.

Maybe the Jazz will look into acquiring Williams’ services once again this season, but I have a hard time seeing any sort of deal going through. The Clippers may very well look to move him as they gear up to prepare for the future, but I sincerely doubt there will be a fitting package that will work for both teams.

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