The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz trade deadline 2019: Five potential power forward targets

By Jared Woodcox

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 10: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards passes the ball around Ekpe Udoh #33 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 10, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 10: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards passes the ball around Ekpe Udoh #33 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 10, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 4: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 4, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 4: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 4, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Otto Porter

The Washington Wizards have waffled back and forth countless times on where they stand, not only on Otto Porter, but on their future as a whole. A team that’s been stuck in mediocrity for countless seasons, it would make sense for them to shake things up. However, at one point the Wizards front office stated they wouldn’t be moving any of their Big 3 of John Wall, Bradley Beal or Otto Porter. Other reports have been what you’d expect – that the Wiz have been wishy-washy, sometimes open to dealing but other times not so much.

Whatever they have going through their heads, after it was announced on Tuesday that John Wall will miss the remainder of the season with a ruptured Achilles, the Wizards would be best off pivoting. This season may already be lost, and their future certainly isn’t a bright one if they continue relying on their current core.

As such, it’s entirely plausible that Otto Porter could and should be made available. If he were to be on the block, he’s a guy the Jazz should absolutely go after. They were rumored to already have their sights on him in free agency a couple summers back during the fateful Gordon Hayward free agency period, so it stands to reason that he’s remained on their radar.

Porter fits the stretch-four mold like a glove and would add a nice second scorer to pair alongside Donovan Mitchell. His renowned 3-point stroke, ability to create his own shot and reliable defense would make for a nice combination to add to Utah’s roster.

The biggest obstacle facing the Jazz in their potential pursuit of Porter could be the obstinance of the Wizards. There have already been reports that Washington’s asking price is too high, and between a down season for Porter and a hefty contract, there’s certainly a lot of risk involved for a player who may not move the needle as much as Jazz fans would like.

There’s a lot to like about Porter and his fit in Utah, but putting together the right package to nab him may end up being much harder said than done, especially considering the Wizards’ hesitancy to deal a player they likely still view as a cornerstone.