The Oklahoma City Thunder are rumored to be exploring potential trades for one of two Utah Jazz guards — Rodney Hood or Alec Burks.
Will they or won’t they? That is the prevailing question surrounding the Utah Jazz with just days remaining until the NBA trade deadline arrives. Several Utah Jazz players have featured heavily in trade rumors recently. However, the team’s recent win streak, coupled with a problematic market, may curtail potential deals for Utah.
Nevertheless, there may be at least one team willing to cough up the necessary assets to take on one of two Jazz guards whose names have been prominent in trade chatter. Namely, Rodney Hood and Alec Burks. That team is the Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to Basketball Insiders’ Steve Kyler, OKC may be willing to part with future draft picks as part of a trade package to bring in a difference-maker. In his report, Hood and Burks were both name-checked as potential targets.
Says Kyler —
"The three names that have surfaced most frequently are Utah’s Rodney Hood, who is expected to be moved somewhere this week, along with fellow Jazz guard Alec Burks. The Thunder have also been linked to Clippers guard Lou Williams and seem to be open to the idea of surrendering future picks to lands an impact player to the roster."
Perhaps more than most teams, the Thunder are motivated to get a deal done before the deadline. The team recently lost their defensive linchpin Andre Roberson to a season-ending injury, which will deal a serious blow to their championship aspirations if they can’t make up for his loss somehow.
OKC also needs to do what they can to keep All-Star Paul George from bolting for Los Angeles this summer.
Lou Williams may be the better play in the short-term. The 31-year-old is one of the most potent offensive players in the league at 23.3 points per game. Still, Oklahoma City would have team control if they acquired Hood (while Williams will be an unrestricted free agent). So he may be the better long-term addition.
The Jazz are likely apt to move one or both players (as well as big men Derrick Favors and Joe Johnson), but may not be able to find great deals for them. Outside of OKC, teams aren’t eager to move future picks for a player like Hood and future first-rounder may be part of Utah’s asking price.
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As for Burks, his contract (guaranteed at $11.5 million next season) could be a source of contention for teams interested in his services. He may be easier to move in the offseason or at next year’s trade deadline as an expiring contract.
Having said all of that, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hood moved ahead of the February 8 deadline. A sizeable list of suitors, as well as OKC’s apparent willingness to move a pick, leads one to believe the Jazz have a better than average shot at finding a suitable deal somewhere.
As of this writing, Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey has two days to do so.