Three HUGE questions facing the Utah Jazz (and some predictions)

Will the Jazz make a trade?

With the February 7 trade deadline rapidly approaching, this is certain to be a question lingering heavily on ever Jazz fan’s mind. We’ve heard rumors upon rumors of Derrick Favors being on the trade block for seasons. There were even some Jazz fans that thought that once January 15th – the date Favors was eligible to be traded on – had passed, that he’d almost subsequently be dealt.

Nevertheless, here we are at January 21st and he remains a Jazzman, just as he has after every single trade rumor during his Jazz tenure.

Of course, there’s still time for that to change and a lot could happen between now and the 7th depending on what kind of talks are had between franchises and what kind of opportunities become available. Nevertheless, I personally believe that Favors will avoid being traded yet again. Derrick has proven himself as a valuable piece of the team, and I have a hard time seeing the Jazz give up financial flexibility this summer for a questionable contract, which is likely what would happen in a hypothetical Favors trade.

That said, not only could I be dead wrong, but there are other players the Jazz could look to move. They have a number of potentially enticing assets in the expiring contracts of Ricky Rubio, Thabo Sefolosha, Georges Niang and, of course, the aforementioned Derrick Favors. The Jazz have fared quite well after acquiring Kyle Korver and may be on the lookout for even more shooting, or they could aim to put together a package to get a long-coveted stretch-four.

In reality, the Jazz need a second legitimate scoring threat to be a true force in the league. They may be able to find such a deal for one at the deadline, but I honestly think they’ll be better off seeking that second option in free agency. For that very reason, I don’t see them going all in on a blockbuster trade, but perhaps something smaller such as those we’ve seen in recent seasons, such as the trades for Shelvin Mack, Jae Crowder or Kyle Korver.

Dennis Lindsey and Co. have always been prudent when it comes to transactions, and expect a similar approach this time around. If the right blockbuster were there, they’d be savvy and pull the trigger, but I wouldn’t count on it. A smaller deal could very well be in the works, but I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the Jazz don’t rock the boat this time around, but instead aim to play it safe and put their eggs in the summer free agency/trade market basket.