The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Breaking down the risks/rewards of potential trade targets

By Ryan Aston

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 13: Anthony Tolliver #43 (rear) and Eric Moreland #24 of the Detroit Pistons battle for a loose ball wiuth Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 13, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 13: Anthony Tolliver #43 (rear) and Eric Moreland #24 of the Detroit Pistons battle for a loose ball wiuth Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 13, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Julius Randle Los Angeles Lakers LA
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 09: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on January 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Julius Randle

Best Case: Over the summer, Julius Randle worked like a madman to transform his body to great effect. After the trade, he continues to work and evolve, eventually solidifying himself as Utah’s starting power forward for the next decade.

It’s like turning the clock back on Derrick Favors by three or four years, except Randle’s ability to make plays with the ball far exceeds what Faves could do. He’s that 15-10 guy the Jazz have sorely missed for the least two seasons.

He’s not a rim protector, but continues to build upon the defensive improvement he’s shown this season.

Worst Case: It feels like a move just for the sake of making one with results to match. Randle does exactly what Favors did before him, only worse. The Jazz can make him a restricted free agent heading into the summer, but he gets a crazy offer from some team still banking on his potential and, just like that, the Jazz are forced to pay more than they want to or let him walk.

That’s not a great spot to be in.

Next: Mario Hezonja

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