Utah Jazz trade notes: Pistons want Hood, Mirotic nearly traded
By Ryan Aston
Utah Jazz wing Rodney Hood is drawing major interest from the Detroit Pistons. Also — Nikola Mirotic could be headed to NOLA.
Although Utah Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey is playing the trade market on multiple fronts, he may be having more conversations about Rodney Hood than any other player. Utah’s streak-shooting sixth man is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams league-wide. So much so that a move seems likely at this point.
On Monday, the Detroit Pistons emerged as a serious contender for his services, per a report.
The Pistons have already been active, tipping off the trade season in earnest when they acquired Blake Griffin from the LA Clippers. But Detroit’s president of basketball ops and head coach Stan Van Gundy isn’t done. According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Hood is next on his hit list.
Writes O’Connor —
"Multiple sources say that [the Pistons] are after Jazz guard Rodney Hood and could send out forward Stanley Johnson. Hood is another injury-prone player, but these are the types of calculated risks Van Gundy needs to take to save his job."
Now to answer the big question — would a hypothetical swap involving Hood and Stanley Johnson be a good thing for the Jazz?
The answer to that may vary wildly depending on who you ask. Johnson is something of a mixed bag.
On the plus side, Johnson is a 21-year-old former lottery pick who could still have a lot of upside. He has an impressive build and is an exceptional athlete. He uses those physical tools to his advantage on the defensive side of the floor, making him a high-level perimeter defender.
He’s also in the middle of his rookie-scale deal, so his cap number is small and the Jazz would have team control in retaining his services.
However, things aren’t all rosy with Johnson. Offensively, he’s a mess. I’m talking Ricky Rubio-Marcus Smart bad as a shooter and then some.
The hope is that he can obtain a viable jumper as he develops. That said, he’s made little to no progress so far and is now in his third year in the league. As a rookie, he shot just under 38 percent from the floor and 31 percent from 3-point range. Those numbers have consistently dipped slightly with each passing year; this season, he’s at 35 and 28.
Obviously, with Rudy Gobert and Rubio (presumably) on the roster, he serves to heighten Utah’s issues with spacing.
Nikola Mirotic nearly dealt
The big rumor in Jazzland in recent weeks has been that Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Mirotic could be headed to Utah. It was reported that the Jazz offense intrigues him and the belief has been that he would be willing to accept a trade that allowed him to play in it.
Unfortunately for Jazz fans riding the Mirotic hype train, the dream of acquiring his services may be on life support.
Or maybe not?
Reports surfaced on Tuesday that the Bulls and Pelicans were finalizing a deal to send Mirotic to New Orleans. However, things hit a snag just as the potential trade looked to be reaching its final stages.
Unless the Bulls pick up his $12.5 million option for next season, Mirotic has to agree to any move. And he’s understandably not willing to give his consent and forego the final year (and money) on his deal.
If the Bulls pick up Mirotic’s option, it may take the Pels out of the running for his services. New Orleans is hesitant to take on extra salary for next season with DeMarcus Cousins set for a huge payday in free agency and the luxury tax being a thing.
Next: 29 teams, 29 trade options for the Utah Jazz
A deal could still be completed, but something has to give on either the Pelicans’ side or Niko’s. Until that comes to pass, the Jazz are still in the game!