My mad scientist’s (or crazed armchair GM’s) look at potential Utah Jazz trade deadline targets from all of the NBA’s other teams.
NBA trade deadline time is officially here for the Utah Jazz and the rest of the league’s 29 other teams. If there was any doubting that previously, it was nuked on Monday when news broke that the LA Clippers had dealt All-Star big man Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons.
Insanity abounds in the Association, with plenty more to come before the actual February 8 deadline.
For their part, the Jazz are playing the market Wolf of Wall Street-style. With the team holding multiple tradeable assets, Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey is undoubtedly listening intently to every trade call he receives. And that’s bound to be a crazy call volume.
But as much as they’re looking to sell a plethora of expiring deals and/or ill-fitting pieces, the Jazz are looking to buy, too. Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell are firmly in place as cornerstone pieces, but the rest of Utah’s roster is in dire need of a shake-up. Especially if the Jazz hope to sneak into the playoffs this season.
Yes, that’s still a possibility. Somehow.
So, with Lindsey and his brain trust looking far and wide for the next great Jazzman, I’ve decided to do the same. For today’s trade deadline exercise, I’ve gone through every other team in the NBA and identified a potential trade target for the Jazz with each one.
Now, there are a couple of caveats here. First of all, it takes two to tango and league rules apply. Even if a deal makes some inkling of sense for one or both sides, the odds of the parties each feeling that way and being able to execute a trade are less than amazing.
Secondly, we have to consider the fact that Gobert and Mitchell are untouchable and that just about every other team in the league has their own list of untouchable assets. So you’re not going to see any talk of the Jazz dealing for LeBron James here.
Finally, there are some teams that just don’t make sense as trade partners for the Jazz for any of a myriad of reasons. But, for the sake of the exercise, I’ve stretched to find an option on those teams that has some kind of method behind the madness (in a universe somewhere out there).
So, with the disclaimers out of the way, let’s get our deadline speculation on, shall we? Here are 29 Utah Jazz trade options from 29 NBA teams!
Next: Atlanta Hawks
Kent Bazemore, Atlanta Hawks
The Jazz saw firsthand what Kent Bazemore can do last week when the Atlanta Hawks beat them 104-90. His 11 points didn’t jump off the box score, but his three 3-pointers and defensive effort loomed large in the game. For the night, Atlanta was plus-13 in Bazemore’s 23 minutes.
And that’s what you get from the undrafted afterthought turned NBA 3-and-D mainstay — smart, solid (if unspectacular) play and a yeoman’s effort night in and night out. Bazemore is putting up 13 points, four boards and four assists per game this season while knocking down 37 percent of his triples.
Utah has been rumored to have interest in him in the past and the Hawks may be inclined to move him to clear space for a big play in free agency or to collect assets for their rebuild.
He may not have Rodney Hood’s offensive upside, but he makes up for it on the other end of the floor.
Next: Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
Not only is this one a long shot, it would require additional moves to make sense roster-wise. If the Ricky Rubio-Rudy Gobert-Derrick Favors trio is offensively challenged, throwing Marcus Smart into the mix would really kill spacing and could put the Jazz in the running for the title of most inept offensive team of the modern era.
Smart has yet to shoot better than 36.7 percent from the floor and is a career 29-percent 3-point shooter.
Having said that, he’s a defensive dynamo who can play lock-down ball on three positions. We’re talking elite-level D in the backcourt, on the wings and against hotel picture frames. When he’s on the court this season, Boston surrenders just 98.9 points per 100 possessions.
If I’m Danny Ainge, I want him in-town long-term. However, Smart is about to hit restricted free agency and could be looking at a huge offer sheet, even in a tight market. Meanwhile, the Celtics already have more than $107 million on the books for next season. Something has to give.
Next: Brooklyn Nets
Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets
During his two-year stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Joe Harris didn’t look long for the league. However, he’s developed exponentially since joining the Brooklyn Nets last season. Now, he has the look of one of the Association’s best shooters.
The 26-year-old is having a career season across the board, averaging better than 10 points and three rebounds while knocking down 41 percent of his nearly five 3-points attempts per game. Not only that, he’s beginning to attack the basket some and throw around his 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame defensively.
It may be time for the Nets to sell high if they don’t prioritize re-signing him. Which brings us to the downside for the Jazz and other potential suitors — Harris will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Nevertheless, if the Jazz think the playoffs are still a possibility in 2018, Harris could help them get there. They would also inherit his Early Bird rights if they dealt for him.
Next: Charlotte Hornets
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
Although Kemba Walker is said to be on the market, Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan has made it clear that it will take an All-Star return to net his own former All-Star. Obviously, the Jazz don’t have one to deal. And they wouldn’t part with potential All-Stars Gobert and Mitchell in any trade.
However, if they could swing some kind of a three-way move, Walker and Mitchell would instantly become one of the most exciting backcourt combos in the league.
Walker is averaging 22 points and six assists per game this season and, although the Hornets are scuffling through another mediocre campaign, he continues to be one of the more impactful players in the league. Charlotte is posting a net rating of 5.6 when he plays this season, which is an improvement of nearly 19 points per 100 possessions over when he sits.
Super long shot here, but we can dream…right? The real play for Walker may come via free agency in 2019.
Next: Chicago Bulls
Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls
The big rumor in Jazzland heading into the trade deadline has been Nikola Mirotic’s potential move to the 801. If the Chicago Bulls are truly holding firm on a reported first-round pick asking price, it may not come to fruition. Still, there’s a lot to like about the pairing.
Not since Mehmet Okur have the Jazz had a floor-spacer like Mirotic. Meanwhile, the big man is reportedly enamored with Jazz coach Quin Snyder’s offense. It’s not hard to see why — his fit with Gobert feels like the kind of inside-out combination that would unleash Utah’s offensive potential.
Any way you slice it, Mirotic is having an incredible season. He’s averaging 17 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest and shooting 47 percent from the floor and 43 percent from deep; all career-highs. His return from injury has also been the key in Chicago flipping the script on what had been a woeful season.
Regardless, he’s not in the Bulls’ future plans. The Jazz, however, could make him a long-term piece for the franchise.
Next: Cleveland Cavaliers
Jae Crowder, Cleveland Cavaliers
When it became clear that Gordon Hayward would not be returning to Utah, one of the hot topics for Jazz fans on social media was whether the team could swing some kind of sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics. In other words, they wanted Jae Crowder as a consolation prize.
He seemed like a natural fit in Utah; a mobile three/four tweener who plays with energy on both ends of the floor and can stretch the D a little too. His 14-6 and 40 percent from three stat line in 2016-17 was tantalizing. Crowder seemed like a fine complement to the Stifle Tower.
Alas, it wasn’t to be. Eventually, he was shipped to Cleveland as part of the C’s trade package for Kyrie Irving. It seemed like the Cavs would really benefit from his diverse skill set. Instead, he’s been an awkward fit next to LeBron James, Kevin Love and Co., dropping down to single-digit scoring and losing some of his flair from deep.
He could find his way again with the Jazz, the same club his father Corey played for in the ’90s. Crowder would also come on one of the most team-friendly deals in the league. If the Cavs miss out on DeAndre Jordan, maybe a package including Derrick Favors would curry their favor here.
Next: Dallas Mavericks
J.J. Barea, Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are one of a handful of teams that really don’t feel like great trade partners for the Jazz. Mark Cuban’s team is probably looking to move Wesley Mathews but, at this point in time, particularly if the asking price is a first-round pick, that’s probably not a direction the Jazz should go in.
So if that’s out, and Harrison Barnes and Dennis Smith Jr. are untouchable, let’s go with J.J. Barea! For no other reason than he always seems to light the Jazz up, hit clutch shots against them and/or act as a pest in general every time his teams are on the docket.
So, like the Borg, we’ll just assimilate him into the Collective. Done and done.
Next: Denver Nuggets
Juancho Hernangomez, Denver Nuggets
If I’m the Denver Nuggets, I want Juan Hernangomez on my team long-term. He’s young, super talented and feels like a nice complementary piece for the Nikola Jokic-Gary Harris-Jamal Murray core. Hernangomez is also still on his team-friendly, rookie-scale deal.
However, the 22-year-old has ceded his minutes to Trey Lyles, Torrey Craig and Malik Beasley. And if he’s not in the team’s plans now, you have to wonder about the future. Meanwhile, his cap number is low, but the Nuggets need all the help they can get to make room for Jokic’s big payday.
For Utah’s part, Hernangomez would be a nice developing piece; an athlete and a frontcourt playmaker. He’s also a 38.5 percent 3-point shooter in his young career, which could make him a nice fit next to Gobert in the future.
If he’s a player you like, it’s time to buy low while you can.
Next: Detroit Pistons
Henry Ellenson, Detroit Pistons
As I began writing this, there was a lot of hubbub on social media about Avery Bradley, whom Stan Van Gundy had made available. While Bradley intrigued me as a backcourt mate for Donovan Mitchell, I wasn’t feeling a move for a two-month rental. Then, in short order, Bradley and Tobias Harris were shockingly traded to the Clippers in the Blake Griffin deal. So the Bradley thing ended up being moot anyway.
Stanley Johnson is also a player the Jazz could covet.
Ultimately, I’m going to go with another young gun who the Jazz might be able to get at a discounted rate and develop — F/C Henry Ellenson. Many expected him to get a real taste of the action this season, but it hasn’t happened yet. I don’t envision a change in the situation with Griffin in the fold either.
Still, Ellenson continues to have potential as a mobile big and a floor-spacer. At Marquette, he moved well in transition and displayed a surprisingly soft shooting touch. In limited action with Detroit this season, he’s shot 39 percent from distance.
I’d be willing to take a flier on him for one of the Jazz’s lesser expiring deals.
Next: Golden State Warriors
Omri Casspi, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are in that group of eight or nine teams that I just don’t see wheeling and dealing with the Jazz. I mean, they’re the Warriors — unless something crazy drops out of the sky, they have no reason to be super active at the deadline. Maybe they’d consider swinging Andre Iguodala for a younger piece? Maybe not.
That said, if I have to identify a potential trade target for Dennis Lindsey that would actually be gettable, Omri Casspi stands out.
Casspi is probably someone who has been on the radar of armchair GMs in Utah for the last half-decade. He’s a smart player, he hustles, he knocks down 3-pointers (37 percent over his career) and can play on the wing or as a small-ball four. He’d be a nice bench piece for the Jazz.
But he’s probably not going anywhere.
Next: Houston Rockets
Ryan Anderson, Houston Rockets
To varying degrees, it seems as though Ryan Anderson’s name is floated by Jazz fans and prognosticators alike during every trade deadline or free agency period. As a proven floor-spacer and scorer, he’s the kind of player the Jazz could use next to Gobert.
See a pattern here?
With less shots to go around in Houston, his scoring has dipped to 10 points per game this year, but he’s still shooting the three at a healthy clip and doing the things he’s always done. Anderson’s downfalls are defense and his sizeable salary.
The Rockets allow 108 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the court and owe him two more years at an average of $20.8 million per annum. Still, if you can somehow shed Alec Burks’ deal for room and are convinced he can hold his value, Anderson isn’t a crazy get.
Next: Indiana Pacers
Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers
Although Victor Oladipo has deservedly grabbed the headlines in Indy this year, Darren Collison deserves some of the credit for the Pacers’ surprising success. He continues to be one of the league’s more underrated point guards.
Over his career, he’s been a 13-5 guy and that continues to be the case. However, there have been some nice little improvements in his game this season. For example, he’s taking more than 30 percent of his shots as threes for the first time in his career and knocking them down at a 44 percent clip. His steal percentage is also higher than ever.
Offensively, he’d be a better fit with the current Jazz roster than Ricky Rubio and he’d save the Jazz a few bucks to boot. Both players’ deals run through next season, but Collison is due just $10 million compared to Rubio’s $14.8 million. Collison’s deal is also partially guaranteed next year, which would give the Jazz better flexibility.
I don’t know if Indiana is inclined to move him, but this is one I like a lot for the Jazz.
Next: LA Clippers
Wesley Johnson, LA Clippers
If only the Jazz could’ve snagged Lou Williams last year when he was being shopped by the cross-town Los Angeles Lakers. Ultimately, they tried and failed. Now, he’s on an expiring deal and the CBA limits your ability to extend him. So even though the Clippers have him on the market once again, there’s not really a play there.
Meanwhile, with Blake suddenly on the outs, the other big name with the Clippers in trade chatter is DeAndre Jordan. But that’s a non-starter for the Jazz, unless you’re talking about getting in on some three-way trade that sends him elsewhere.
With all that being the case, let’s go with Wesley Johnson.
Johnson doesn’t add much for the Jazz outside of an extra $6.1 million in salary when he opts in for next season (ew…), but maybe you can get a future first-round pick for saving the Clips some paper on their luxury tax bill?
#Assetz
Next: Los Angeles Lakers
Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers
After making a splash as a rookie, the book on Jordan Clarkson quickly became one of an inefficient volume scorer that yielded little defensive value. However, there’s no denying his explosive potential offensively. When he’s hot, he’s really hot.
Earlier this month, he helped the LA Lakers capture a 13-point win over the Indiana Pacers by scoring 33 points on 14-of-19 shooting and adding seven rebounds and seven assists. He followed that up with 29 points, 10 assists, six boards and three steals against the New York Knicks the very next game.
Some would argue that he’s a smaller, less rangy Rodney Hood, but I like his ball skills and overall firepower much better. Moreover, while Hood could get a big payday in free agency, Clarkson is locked-in until 2020 at an average salary of just $12.5 mil per year. That’s pretty ho-hum for a high-level scorer.
Call me crazy, but I like the sound of a Mitchell-Clarkson-Dante Exum backcourt rotation.
Next: Memphis Grizzlies
JaMychal Green, Memphis Grizzlies
After starting 75 games and putting up nine and seven while hitting the occasional three for the Memphis Grizzlies last season, JaMychal Green seemed like a guy who could be on the verge of inking a big-time deal in free agency. Instead, he sat on the market until late September and eventually re-signed on a relatively cheap two-year pact.
This season, he’s continued to board it, score when needed and knock down the odd long bomb. In the meantime, he’s consistently been able to defend bigs and wings alike.
As relates to the Jazz, I liked him last summer and I like him even more now. He does all the things the Jazz like and comes on the cheap. That’s an ideal combination for a team that still wants to make a splash in free agency in the years ahead.
The Grizz may be motivated to deal, too. Despite comments made earlier this season by Memphis decision-makers about still wanting to compete with Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, Grit n’ Grind is at its end. Conley is out for the year, Gasol is 33, David Fizdale has been fired and the Grizzlies are 12th in the Western Conference.
Next: Miami Heat
Justise Winslow, Miami Heat
The Miami Heat’s James Johnson is a player the Jazz like a lot. However, he seems pretty entrenched as the team’s small-ball four and one of their floor leaders. The Jazz aren’t getting Goran Dragic either, so what’s left?
Can I get Justise Winslow for $500 (or an expiring contract), Alex?
Winslow hasn’t quite lived up to the hype he had coming out of Duke. A torn labrum last season, knee issues now and the emergence of Josh Richarson probably deserve more credit for that than his shortcomings do. In any event, Winslow probably holds more value for the Miami Heat as a trade chip than as a part of their future.
There may or may not be potential for a deal here, but as an upside guy who’s starting to hit the three and a big, physical defender on the wing, Winslow is a player to watch.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks
Tony Snell, Milwaukee Bucks
Yeah, the Jazz probably aren’t getting Jabari Parker.
Even if the Milwaukee Bucks decide they’re willing to test his trade market, what are you willing to give for a player who has rarely been healthy throughout his career and has yet to play this season? The asking price may be more than the Jazz can (or want to) part with.
It’s a lovely thought though, isn’t it? Jabari killing it in transition, hitting threes, attacking the basket, rocking the pick-and-roll and dropping 25 a night while teaming with Mitchell and Gobert to take the Jazz to the top…ARGH! No more Jabari talk (at least not until he hits restricted free agency).
Tony Snell is a 3-and-D wing hitting better than 40 percent from 3-point range for the second straight year and is signed through 2021 on a fair-market deal. He could be a nice moneyball pick-up to help the Jazz on both sides of the floor.
The Bucks may have interest Derrick Favors.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves
Gorgui Dieng, Minnesota Timberwolves
Trading with a divisional foe is often something less than a good idea. Just ask the Denver Nuggets, who all but gifted the Jazz Gobert and Mitchell. As such, I don’t know that the Minnesota Timberwolves would be the first team on Utah’s Rolodex or vice versa. Even if the two teams did pull off a Rubio swap last offseason.
The players the T-Wolves are probably most willing to move are Gorgui Dieng and Shabazz Muhammad. I’m not feeling the latter (and you shouldn’t either), but Dieng’s case is a little less clear-cut.
On the surface, he seems like an awkward fit with Gobert. Another offensively challenged rebounder and defender. However, there are a couple of things we can grab onto to try to justify Dieng’s acquisition.
He’s shown himself to be a high-level mid-range shooter, knocking down better than 50 percent of his shots from 10 to 16 feet from the hoop over his career. That’s something Favors has yet to do despite occasional flashes. Dieng is also shooting more 3-pointers recently, although that aspect remains a work in progress.
That could mean more room for Gobert to operate down low. If only a little.
Next: New Orleans Pelicans
E’Twaun Moore, New Orleans Pelicans
One thing was immediately clear in the wake of DeMarcus Cousins’ devastating Achilles injury — the New Orleans Pelicans have moves to make if they want to hold serve in the playoff race. A move to acquire D-Faves and, perhaps, another complimentary piece from the Jazz could help keep them in the thick of things.
The problem is that they don’t have much in the way of tradeable assets to make something happen. Jrue Holiday is a player the Jazz would have liked a few years ago, but his contract is bonkers and NOLA probably isn’t looking to move him. For me, that leaves E’Twaun Moore.
Moore is having a career season (13 PPG) and has emerged as one of the Association’s better 3-point shooters at 43 percent. He’s starting for the Pels, but you can envision him being a really nice bench piece for the Jazz.
I would probably have an easier time paying him just over $8.5 mil a year through 2020 than I do paying $11.5 mil for Burks next season. Still, it’s hard to see a deal I really like here.
Willy Hernangomez, New York Knicks
Last week, a report emerged from the New York Daily News that the Jazz were one of a gaggle of teams interested in Knicks big man Willy Hernangomez. Some have questioned the legitimacy of that purported interest, while others have wondered about Hernangomez’s fit in Utah.
Obviously, I can’t speak to the validity of the report, but I’m not overly concerned about Hernangomez’s ability to assimilate and find success once again. Juancho’s brother oozes potential, is only 23 years old and is on a super-cheap deal for the next two years.
Say what you will about how he meshes with the roster — the Jazz are essentially just Gobert and Mitchell right now. Nothing else is set in stone. Furthermore, a young, athletic, offensively skilled talent who plays with effort and is affordable is a player the Jazz should want.
He doesn’t stretch the floor like his brother, but if the Jazz can bring in a point guard who can shoot and a good playmaking big to work in with he and Gobert, there’s no reason Hernangomez couldn’t be a double-double guy and building block for the Jazz.
Next: Oklahoma City Thunder
Patrick Patterson, Oklahoma City Thunder
Andre Roberson’s injury is no small thing. Offensively challenged though he may be, he’s still a difference-maker and the glue that holds OKC’s defense together. The Thunder were probably already looking for a wing to help the offense; now, they need help on both sides of the ball.
As relates to the Jazz, though, they don’t have a lot to offer for that help. They may like Hood, but I don’t see anything in their coffers that they’d be willing to part with that would also interest Utah.
If I have to pick somebody that could help the Jazz that may be on the move, its Patrick Patterson. However, he’s been something of a disappointment since signing a multi-year deal last summer.
Still, he continues to hit the 3-point shot. He’s just a hair under 40 percent this season and is sitting at 37 percent for his career. Shooting bigs are something the Jazz need, but Patterson wouldn’t start in Utah and I’m more partial to what Jonas Jerebko brings off the bench.
Next: Orlando Magic
Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic
This one could be a hard get, but there’s a lot to like about Evan Fournier in a Jazz uniform. In the words of The J-Notes’ own Jared Woodcox, Fournier is an “electric shooter” and could be an “ideal fit” with the Jazz and his Les Bleus teammate, Gobert.
At just 25, Fournier is just beginning to approach his prime years and, already, he’s scoring 18 points a night on a 46-39-89 shooting line. He could be all the things a vocal contingent of Jazz fans want Hood to be, but feel he’s falling short on.
The concern with Fournier would be his money limiting the Jazz’s ability to corral a third star through free agency. However, his deal at $17 million per year through 2021 is actually pretty darn reasonable for a player of his ilk. And, really, Utah probably doesn’t top the list of many (or any) established stars’ preferred destinations.
Orlando is definitely willing to move Fournier, but can the Jazz make the best offer?
Next: Philadelphia 76ers
Dario Saric, Philadelphia 76ers
Last week, I identified the Philadelphia 76ers’ Dario Saric as my ideal deadline acquisition for the Jazz. In another feature, I evaluated his best-case scenario in Jazz blue as follows —
"“Dario Saric comes to Utah and, right off the bat, the Jazz realize they have something special. He’s an incredible complement to the Stifle Tower on both ends of the floor. While he managed to do good things for the Philadelphia 76ers (13.5 points and 36 percent from three this season), he really thrives in Utah with an expanded role. Thanks to his rookie deal, restricted free agency and home-team advantage, the Jazz have him on lockdown for the next several years. Mitchell-Gobert-Saric becomes one of the league’s most exciting young cores."
Clearly, I’m pretty high on the former lottery pick. So rather than sing the same praises once again, here’s a reel of Saric slinging the ball around like a madman to get you sizzling —
Get this man into a Utah Jazz uniform, STAT!
Next: Phoenix Suns
Troy Daniels, Phoenix Suns
The Basketball Economist on Twitter recently put out a list of the Association’s best 3-point shooters off the dribble. Given the intricacies of today’s game, it’s not hard to understand why the ability to knock those shots down is valuable for NBA teams.
https://twitter.com/bballeconomist/status/957816693409107968
Jazzman Joe Ingles tops the list; a true testament to his growth as a player. No. 2 is Darren Collison, who also features in the list I’ve compiled today. So, too, does the player in the third spot, my trade target from the Phoenix Suns, Troy Daniels
The Suns actually have a slew of attractive young assets. Devin Booker is a future All-Star and Dragan Bender makes a lot of sense for Utah, if you ask me. Josh Jackson and Marquese Chriss also move the needle in a major way. However, it’s hard to see Phoenix shopping any of the lot.
Daniels, however, is probably obtainable and is a legit sharpshooter. He’s topped 40 percent from 3-point range in four of his five years as a pro and is arguably the go-to option in the Suns’ second unit.
At less than $3.5 million a year through next season, his production far exceeds his cap number, which is where you want to be with every player.
Next: Portland Trail Blazers
C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
In a predictions newsletter sent out earlier this month, the New York Times’ Marc Stein had this to say about Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum —
"This is the year Portland will break up the potent backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The Blazers don’t want to trade either one, especially when they awoke Wednesday ranked seventh in the league in defensive efficiency despite the annual external skepticism about the pairing’s capabilities at that end of the floor. But the easiest path to balancing the roster is by parting with one of their two guards — most likely McCollum — for a package headlined by a frontcourt player on their level."
This one is another long shot, especially before the trade deadline. Still, if McCollum is truly someone who could get moved, Lindsey will do his due diligence. McCollum-Mitchell would be McCollum-Damian Lillard 2.0, but the Jazz have something the Blazers don’t. An All-NBA Center in Gobert.
Having said that, I wonder about Utah’s ability to beat out other offers.
Next: Sacramento Kings
George Hill, Sacramento Kings
The word on the street continues to be that King James’ Cavs are all hot and bothered for former Jazzman George Hill. Whether or not the 31-year-old finds his way to Cleveland, there’s a contingent of fans in Salt Lake City that will continue to pine for their former point guard.
Injured though he was, Hill was really good for the Jazz last season. By averaging nearly 17 points per night on a 48-40-80 shooting line, he helped lead the team to a 50-win campaign and a first-round playoff victory. He also helped elevate Gobert’s status as a roll man to the elite ranks.
Rubio has looked like an amateur by comparison. It’s not all his fault and he’s been better recently, but it’s hard not to wonder where the Jazz would be if GH3 was still running point for Coach Snyder.
The odds are long that he ends up back in the blue, green and gold. However, he’s probably not long for a spot with the Sacramento Kings.
Next: San Antonio Spurs
Patty Mills, San Antonio Spurs
As far as Jazz trade partners go, the San Antonio Spurs are possibly the most unlikely of bedfellows. At least at this juncture. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Kawhi Leonard isn’t going anywhere. Jalen Rose, I love you….but stop it!
LaMarcus Aldridge isn’t going anywhere.
Kyle Anderson probably isn’t going anywhere.
Danny Green would’ve been great three or four years ago, but he’s now an expiring contract and a player in decline.
Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are a million years old.
Pau Gasol and Rudy Gay are probably staying put and are also old.
Dejounte Murray is Pop’s new starting point guard.
If there’s a player the Jazz like that isn’t an absolute non-starter it’s Patty Mills. The Canberra, Australia native is putting up just under 10 points per game, continues to hit the three at a nice clip and is a steadying force on the floor for the Spurs. At this point, he’d probably be a better, less expensive fit than Rubio (as he’s been this season) for the Utah Jazz O.
Nevertheless, I really don’t see him getting moved. Especially as Parker inches ever closer to the end of the line.
Next: Toronto Raptors
Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors
Out of nowhere, Jonas Valanciunas is playing what might be the best basketball of his career. Over his last six games, he’s averaging 15 points and 11 rebounds and shooting 60 percent from the field and 71 percent from behind the arc.
Against the Jazz last week, he dropped 28 points and made two triples in a single game for the first time. Who knows if it sticks, but Valanciunas — once thought of as a big man better-suited for yesteryear — is suddenly doing things he never has before. I.e. banging down threes and attacking close-outs with dribble penetration —
The Lithuanian national may have seemed like an imperfect fit with Gobert previously. But, if he can continue this sudden evolution, maybe there’s something here.
Valanciunas has seemingly been on the block forever. Although the Raptors don’t have the same issues with paying the luxury tax that most teams have, his contract may finally be on the move.
Next: Washington Wizards
Otto Porter, Washington Wizards
This one is challenging. Because Otto Porter inked an offer sheet with the Nets and was matched over the summer, the former lottery pick would have to sign-off on any trade before July. He also has a pretty gnarly trade kicker. Still, should the Washington Wizards want to move him and he agrees to let it happen, Utah could be a nice situation for him.
If there’s an outside player I’ve hyper-focused on more than any other over the past two years, it has to be Porter. Once thought to be headed for bust status, Porter has improved his game and production to the point where he secured a four-year, $106 million max contract.
In addition to averaging 13 points, six boards and 1.5 steals per game last season, he posted a true shooting percentage of 62.8, which was a Top 10 mark league-wide. Porter also boasted the lowest turnover rate among qualifiers in the Association.
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- Former Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay is a free agent still and it shouldn’t surprise anyone
He’s continued to be really, really good for the Wiz this season; he’d be even better in Utah in an expanded role. However, it seems pretty unlikely that the Jazz — who thought of him as a potential Gordon Hayward replacement last summer — could pry him from Washington’s grasp.
Porter is a core piece for the Wizards. And while recent comments from John Wall and Scott Brooks about his lack of aggressiveness offensively have prompted some fan chatter about a potential move, I don’t think he’s going anywhere. Washington just bet the farm on him.