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Utah Jazz rumors: Pacers want Rubio, Hayward root of Celtics woes?

By Jared Woodcox

BOSTON - MAY 9: Boston Celtics' Gordon Hayward speaks to reporters at the Auerbach Center in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston on May 9, 2019. Celtics players are cleaning out their lockers following their elimination at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals the previous night. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON - MAY 9: Boston Celtics' Gordon Hayward speaks to reporters at the Auerbach Center in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston on May 9, 2019. Celtics players are cleaning out their lockers following their elimination at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals the previous night. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 112-108. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 112-108. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

D’Angelo still on the table?

OK, so this last one isn’t so much to do with Jazz alumni as the previous talking points were, but this final rumor does relate to the team of former Jazzman Gordon Hayward (who we were just speaking about) to some extent so why not add it in, right? With the news that Kyrie is very likely set to leave Boston and land in Brooklyn, that should reignite hopes that free agent D’Angelo Russell could still very much be a plausible option for the Jazz this summer.

As things stand right now, the Jazz wouldn’t think to extend an offer sheet to D’Lo since he remains restricted. However, if the Nets were to add Kyrie, it’s highly unlikely they’d keep Russell and would instead aim to pair a second star alongside their new one. Sure, there remains some speculation that Brooklyn could try to play Kyrie and D’Angelo together, but I’m still not quite buying that. And it would likely only happen if the Nets struck out on bigger fish.

After the Anthony Davis trade, many thought that Kyrie could be on his way to Los Angeles to team up with him and former teammate LeBron James. But Tuesday’s news from Stein that I mentioned previously made it clear that the Nets yet remain in the lead. That’s good news for the Utah Jazz if they’re high on Russell instead of Conley. Because if Irving goes somewhere besides the Nets, Brooklyn will likely keep Russell. But if Irving pushes Russell out, the Jazz could have a real shot at adding the then unrestricted free agent.

UPDATE. The Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies have come to terms on a trade headlined by PG Mike Conley. light

Personally, I’m a bit more excited about the prospect of trading for Conley, so if that happens the Russell speculation won’t matter one bit. However, until a move takes place, none of the potential Jazz options should be overlooked. And with Kyrie likely Brooklyn bound, Jazz fans will want to keep a close eye on D’Angelo.

Be sure to stick close to The J-Notes these next few weeks for all your trade rumor news, free agency drama and NBA Draft scoops!

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