Utah Jazz trade rumors: Does Jabari Parker have Jazzland dreams?
By Ryan Aston
An actual deal may be unlikely, but rumors linking Jabari Parker and the Utah Jazz rumors have made the rounds. Over the weekend, Parker spoke out on the possibility of joining the Jazz.
Whether you love him or hate him as a player, there’s no denying the fact that Jabari Parker continues to be the apple of many Utah Jazz fans’ eyes. After all, he’s a member of Utah’s predominant faith, was heavily recruited by BYU out of high school and regularly spends time in the Beehive State
The pro-Parker crowd got a boost over the weekend when the Chicago Bulls forward spoke on a potential pairing with the Jazz ahead of his team’s appearance in Salt Lake City on Saturday. Regarding trade rumors that linked him to the Jazz earlier this season, Parker conceded that he’s considered bringing his talents to Utah.
“Yeah, I have,” Parker said when asked if he had given thought to joining the Jazz. “I already have a home here, and I visit here frequently.”
In December, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that the Jazz had some level of interest in the former No. 2 overall pick. And while Parker’s self-confessed disinterest in making himself a better defender doesn’t exactly jibe with the Jazz culture, he continues to be a polished performer offensively.
Given that the Jazz rank 21st offensively, scoring 107 points per 100 possessions, it’s on that side of the ball where you can talk yourself into the partnership. That said, it’s hard to know how much stock to put in the rumor.
It feels like a figment of Parkers’ agent’s imagination to some who are close to the team.
Even if there’s fire to the smoke here, it would probably behoove the Jazz or whoever else might be interested to wait until the summer when Parker will likely become a free agent (assuming his 2019-20 salary isn’t guaranteed) to make a move.
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It is curious, however, that Parker made an appearance for just the second time in the Bulls’ last 14 games against the Jazz and was showcased offensively, getting up 10 shots in 19 minutes and scoring 11 points. He’s essentially been out of the rotation since Jim Boylen took over as head coach.
Were the Jazz test driving their new car or is it just coincidence that Parker got the call in Salt Lake City? You decide!
In any case, Parker remains an intriguing young talent with big-time prospects, and he may be having Jazzland dreams as the Bulls look to find a trade for him.