The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Eight intriguing (albeit difficult to pull off) Dante Exum trade ideas

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 13: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz arrives to the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 13, 2019 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 13: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz arrives to the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 13, 2019 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 13: Jae Crowder #99 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 13, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 13: Jae Crowder #99 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 13, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jae Crowder

2019-20 Salary: $7.8 million

Now here’s a familiar name for Jazz fans! As odd as it would maybe seem to trade back for a player that was just dealt this offseason, there’s no denying that a lot of what Jae Crowder brought last year could be helpful for the Jazz. They have been undersized in the frontcourt, and Jae’s energy, strength and defense could help fill some of that hole.

While Crowder certainly comes with some shortcomings, such as a tendency to over-shoot, there’s no question that he was a help to the Jazz the past two seasons, and bringing him back into the fold over Exum could work wonders for a second unit that hasn’t looked that great. Crowder already knows Quin Snyder’s system and found ample ways to contribute for the Jazz in years past, which could make for an easy transition both on the court and in the locker room.

Why the Grizzlies MIGHT do it:

The Grizzlies are far from win-now mode as their aim is most certainly on the future. Yes, they’ve notched some good wins of late, but at 10-17 at this early juncture they’re far from a frightening opponent or playoff squad. Sure, they’re only two games out of eighth place right now, but as things balance out, I’m confident saying they’ll be a lottery team.

As such, picks, assets and gaining value from players that might leave anyway has to be the priority for the Grizzlies. With Crowder set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, there’s a good chance he won’t be returning to Memphis next year. His defense and scoring ability, though sometimes streaky, will make him an attractive get.

The Grizzlies figure to be open to dealing at the trade deadline, and they’ve done business with the Jazz before. So if they want to add a defensive wing in Exum, whose contract they certainly are in a spot to handle, along with more prospects for the future, they could very well be interested in engaging in conversations with Utah once again.