Utah Jazz: Local sources have different take on Jabari Parker rumors

Although it was reported nationally that the Utah Jazz have shown interest in Jabari Parker, local sources closer to the Jazz appear to believe otherwise.

The biggest bit of Utah Jazz news to sweep the web today was a report from The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor that the Jazz were reportedly interested in the Chicago Bulls’ Jabari Parker. This is a name that has been brought up in conjunction with the Jazz before, both due to the team’s need for a playmaking stretch-four and because of Parker’s LDS religion which is the predominant faith in the state of Utah.

Once the report broke, several NBA fans, both of the Jazz contingent and otherwise, began speculating on what a potential Jabari trade to Utah would look like and what it could mean for both teams involved. However, based on more recent news from local reporters, it appears that said speculators should likely pump the breaks.

First of all, The Athletic’s Tony Jones, who’s reputed as one of the most reliable Jazz sources out there, tweeted the following responses to questions about Jabari shortly after the original news went berserk–

In other words, Tony never questioned the potential validity of The Ringer’s report, but he was quick to bring up that it wasn’t in line with what he had heard.

Jones wasn’t the only one to bring up a contrary report about the Jazz and Parker rumors. Later on, The Salt Lake Tribune’s Andy Larsen, another highly credible source for Jazz news, stated the following–

So based on these two tidbits of information, it appears that Utah’s interest in Jabari Parker may not be real at all. The initial rumor could be the work of an agent, spreading fabrications to sources in an attempt to raise interest in his client, a mere misunderstanding among sources or some combination of the two.

Honestly, though, I’d lean towards believing the duo of Tony Jones and Andy Larsen on this one. That’s not only because they are great sources on the matter, but also because I don’t know that the Parker-to-Utah trade makes all that much sense. Parker isn’t known at all for defense and is far from a reliable 3-point shooter. Sure, his potential versatility and playmaking would be valuable for a Jazz offense that struggles to put up points, but his work ethic and attitude are very much in question.

Not only that, but the Jazz also tend to be pretty tight-lipped about these kinds of transactions. There was no national buzz prior to the Jazz acquiring Kyle Korver, yet it happened all the same. Such has been the nature of nearly all their recent trades. The prospect of a deal largely flies under the radar until it is completed.

Thus, while I’m not saying we can count out the possibility of Jabari Parker in Utah completely – crazier things have certainly happened – I am saying that the chances are quite slim. Based on the reports from journalists who are closer and more apprised of the situation, and the fact that there’s some question about Parker’s fit and whether or not it would be worth it to give up valuable pieces to acquire him, I find it highly unlikely that a deal will come to fruition.

For now, the Utah Jazz will have to stick with the personnel they have and aim to turn things around in a big way from the recent struggles they’ve exhibited. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them engage in some other deal between now and the trade deadline, but don’t count on this alleged report regarding Jabari Parker being the one.