Utah Jazz: Four final rumors in waning moments before trade deadline

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 23: Joe Johnson #6 of the Utah Jazz runs up court during their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 23, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 23: Joe Johnson #6 of the Utah Jazz runs up court during their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 23, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
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Utah Jazz Rodney Hood New Orleans Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 05: Rodney Hood #5 of the Utah Jazz reacts after scoring a three pointer during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on February 5, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Rodney Hood regarded as ‘lock’ to be dealt

On Wednesday afternoon, I was quick to comment that Rodney Hood’s time with the Utah Jazz appeared to be rapidly nearing an end based on a spattering of reports as well as quotes from Hood himself that were featured in an article by Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania. My assumption was further backed up by Marc Stein of The New York Times later that night.

In Stein’s latest newsletter, he brought up several rumors and reports from across the league dealing with the trade deadline. One of the names found on that list was none other than Rodney Hood, who Stein referred to as “widely regarded as to be dealt before Thursday’s deadline.” He also threw Tyreke Evans and Marco Belinelli into that same category as well.

Ever since it was announced that the Jazz were actively shopping Hood, it has felt like the likelihood of him being dealt has only picked up momentum. That’s been the case even more so over the past 24 hours with all of these recent reports.

Between all that has surfaced, it’s seeming more and more like a certainty that the Jazz will be parting with Hood prior to the upcoming deadline.