NBA Trade Rumors: Utah Jazz targeting Nikola Mirotic

The Utah Jazz are reportedly seeking New Orleans Pelicans big man Nikola Mirotic in a potential deal with the February 7th trade deadline quickly approaching.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. The trade deadline is nearly upon us and once again the Utah Jazz are reportedly eyeing a stretch-four that they’d like to add to their mix. It’s been mentioned time and time again that the Jazz need more of a playmaking power forward to pair alongside Rudy Gobert instead of Derrick Favors, and if the rumors are to be believed, that pursuit is still very much intact.

Personally, I have a hard time imagining this Jazz team without its current longest tenured player Derrick Favors, but it shouldn’t come as any surprise that his name is being brought up in trade speculation yet again.

Not only is Utah’s search for a stretch-four a reoccurring theme, but one particular player that the Jazz purportedly have in their sights will likely ring a familiar bell for Jazz fans as well. According to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, the Utah Jazz are targeting Nikola Mirotic from the New Orleans Pelicans.

With the recent madness involving Anthony Davis making it clear that he has no intention of re-signing with New Orleans and requesting a trade, one can’t help but assume that the Pelicans are open for business, open to make whatever moves necessary to allow them to rebuild in the wake of their soon-to-depart star. And while Jrue Holiday might be the dream target for Jazz fans craving a prolific point guard who can score and defend, it appears that a different Pel is more on the radar.

Here’s what The Salt Lake Tribune had to say about the Mirotic situation–

"The Jazz are also interested in acquiring Pelicans big man Nikola Mirotic before Thursday’s deadline, The Tribune has learned. The Pelicans are asking teams for a first round pick for Mirotic and his expiring contract, according to the Sporting News, but it’s yet to be determined whether or not they’ll get it, as he’s only under contract for two more months. The Sporting News also reports that the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in Mirotic.Mirotic was a target for the Jazz in the middle of last season, but eventually Chicago chose to trade him to New Orleans, not Utah. The big man is averaging career highs in scoring (16.7 points per game) and rebounding (8.3 rebounds per game) for the Pelicans this season."

It was nearly common knowledge that the Jazz were interested in Mirotic a year ago, and the skilled big man had shown interest in joining with Quin Snyder and the Jazz as well. Ultimately it wasn’t in the cards and Mirotic was dealt to New Orleans instead. Apparently he still remains a tantalizing prospect as the Jazz are looking at him yet again.

Dealing for Mirotic could be a rewarding prospect considering that he most certainly is the textbook definition of a stretch-four threat. His scoring punch could help Utah avoid some of its all-too-frequent droughts and the spacing he would create for the Jazz starting lineup could be highly beneficial.

However, he also comes with some risks. First off, his contract expires at the conclusion of this season. And while it’s assumed that he would be interested in staying with the Jazz, there’s truly no guarantee. Any trade for him could be a mere few-month rental.

I suppose if he doesn’t mesh with the Jazz, that could be a blessing in disguise because Utah would be able to let him walk and maintain financial flexibility, but in that case then whoever they gave up in the trade would have largely gone to waste. Additionally, if he’s truly that interested in joining the Jazz, he could very well wait until the offseason then join Utah’s ranks without them having to surrender valuable assets.

The other risk with Mirotic is his woeful defense. On that end of the floor he’s an easy target for opposing teams, and even Utah’s staunch team defense might not be able to pick up the slack for him. Lastly, while Nikola is certainly capable of getting hot and scoring in bunches, he’s also not as prolific as his reputation often indicates. He’s actually converting on just 36.8 percent of his threes this season, which leaves quite a bit to be desired for a stretch-big, even one of his size.

In summary, while I can see the appeal of a player of Mirotic’s skill set, I’m not completely sold on this being the best option for the Jazz. His inconsistency and nonexistent defense are both red flags that will have to be weighed and measured by the Jazz. That’s especially true considering the Pels are asking for a first-round pick in return for the expiring contract of Mirotic.

Is that pick really worth surrendering for such an uncertain addition? I vote no, but time will tell if Dennis Lindsey and the rest of Jazz brass think differently. The February 7th trade deadline is mere days away and all will be resolved soon.