The J-Notes
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Three ways the draft lottery results may impact the Utah Jazz

By Jared Woodcox

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: An overall view of the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: An overall view of the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 02: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 02, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 02: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 02, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Options from New Orleans?

A similar situation now exists with the New Orleans Pelicans. With Zion Williamson, the overwhelming favorite to be the top overall pick, likely headed to The Big Easy, they’ll have some big decisions to face this summer regarding how to best shape their roster for the future. Though Executive VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin hopes to keep Anthony Davis on board to pair alongside Zion, AD still appears set on seeking greener pastures. If that holds true, the Pelicans may be wise to pursue a bit of a revamp this offseason.

While that would almost certainly include trading away Anthony Davis, it could mean parting with other pieces as well. Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday would be far and above the biggest prize that the Jazz could potentially land, but that feels far from probable. However, there is plenty of other talent to be had on the New Orleans roster, most notably Julius Randle, that could be a nice option for Utah.

Once again, a desire to get the most out of Anthony Davis and match up with the timeline of transcendent talent Zion Williamson could result in the Pels being more open to dealing than previously presumed. If they do so, there’s no reason why Utah couldn’t jump in as a potential suitor.

Again, putting together a trade for the likes of a guy such as Holiday without the impending free agent contracts that Utah had available to them at the deadline will certainly be tough. And my guess is that with or without Davis, the Pelicans will plan to put in place the right pieces to remain competitive next season which would almost certainly include keeping Jrue.

Nevertheless, a big unexpected turn of events such as the one facing the Pelicans most definitely could lead to changed plans and new opportunities. As such, the Jazz absolutely have to be ready to capitalize. If Holiday were to become available, they’d need to be prepared to go at him hard assuming no other viable free agent opportunities surfaced.

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