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NBA trade rumors: Another report links Jabari Parker to the Utah Jazz

Ryan Aston|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Jabari Parker #2 of the Chicago Bulls wipes the sweat off during a timeout in the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 29, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Jabari Parker #2 of the Chicago Bulls wipes the sweat off during a timeout in the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 29, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Mixed local reaction to earlier trade rumors aside, Chicago Bulls forward Jabari Parker may well be on the Utah Jazz’s wish list.

As the Utah Jazz explore the trade market for a point guard and/or a playmaking power forward, a familiar name has resurfaced as a possible target for GM Dennis Lindsey.

Per a report by the Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson on Monday, the Jazz have contacted the Bulls about former No. 2 overall pick Jabari Parker. Says Johnson —

"Not that trading [Robin] Lopez or [Jabari] Parker would be considered a blockbuster. The Bulls merely are trying to gain an asset from two players on expiring contracts — Parker carries a $20 million team option for 2019-20 that almost certainly won’t be exercised no matter what team he’s on come Friday — who don’t fit in their future plans. The Lakers and Jazz have inquired on Parker, sources said."

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Parker, who has been in and out of the Bulls rotation (mostly the latter) since Jim Boylan took over as head coach, was previously rumored to be a Jazz target by The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor in December.

Reaction to the 23-year-old as a potential Jazzman has understandably been a mixed bag. On the one hand, he’s a gifted offensive player with good mobility, touch from the perimeter and an ability to put the ball on the floor and create in space.

Last week, he scored 22 points in 23 minutes in a game against the Brooklyn Nets. And during the month of January, he hit on 57 percent of his shots overall and over 45 percent from 3-point range. For the year, he’s averaging 14.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with an effective field goal percentage over 51.

On the other hand, he’s been incredibly injury prone and an absolute liability on defense.

The latter issue could be the rub as relates to his Jazz fit. Over the summer, he essentially blew off the idea that he should even be concerned about his defensive shortcomings. “I just stick to my strengths,” Parker told 670 AM – The Score in Chicago. “Look at everybody in the league — they don’t pay players to play defense.”

Those are fightin’ words in Jazzland.

Regarding Parker and the Jazz, reporting out of Salt Lake City has indicated there’s nothing doing. However, Parker himself has been open about being intrigued with the idea of playing for the Jazz, owns a home in South Jordan, Utah, and is a member of the state’s predominant faith in the LDS church.

It’s also worth noting that the Bulls are said to covet Ricky Rubio.

As it stands now, my money is on Parker ending up with the Lakers, who have reportedly offered Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as compensation. Still, Caldwell-Pope can veto any deal and the Lakers are also pretty wrapped up in their pursuit of Anthony Davis.

If the Jazz have really been inquiring on Parker, they may still be in the running to acquire him.