Utah Jazz trade deadline 2019: Five potential shooting guard targets

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 30, 2017 at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 30, 2017 at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 28: Los Angeles Clippers Guard Lou Williams (23) looks on during a NBA game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 28, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 28: Los Angeles Clippers Guard Lou Williams (23) looks on during a NBA game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 28, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Lou Williams

The Jazz were connected to trade rumors about Lou Williams a couple years back, but of course nothing ever ultimately materialized. Nevertheless, with the LA Clippers in an interesting spot this trade deadline, he’s certainly a player they should keep their eye on.

Not only are the Clippers once again right on the fringe of being a playoff team and making a return trip to the lottery, but they have obvious plans of aiming to lure in big-time stars this summer, such as Kawhi Leonard. With such in mind, it’s entirely possible that the Clips could make some adjustments at the trade deadline to put themselves in what they view as the best possible situation for the upcoming free agency period.

As such, it might be well worth Utah’s time to see if they’re able to find a way to sneak Lou Williams into their midst. Williams is a walking bucket who can score with the best of them. There are some concerns about his defense and efficiency, but he nevertheless is a valuable piece considering that he grabs the opposing defense’s attention and won’t let it go.

With so much attention on Williams, it could free up other Jazz players, such as Donovan Mitchell, to have more space to operate and more ability to make life difficult for opponents. A perennial sixth man of the year candidate, Williams could be superb as a starter or off the bench which has been his role for so long.

Lou is also on a pretty reasonable contract which makes him further appealing for the Jazz. They could bring him into their ranks to add some much-needed scoring without completely handicapping themselves for the future. Williams might be hard to pry away from the Clippers, but he’s definitely a low-risk, high-reward get if he can be had.

The Jazz will have no shortage of tantalizing options this upcoming trade deadline depending on what kind of availability is in place and what happens around the league. As they keep their eyes open, options at the shooting guard position figure to be among the most intriguing.