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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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – DECEMBER 14: Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates during a game between San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on December 14, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – DECEMBER 14: Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates during a game between San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on December 14, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /

Patty Mills

2019-20 Salary: $12.4 million

Patty Mills just feels like a player that would fit superbly in Quin Snyder’s system. He brings that tough Aussie grit that Joe Ingles displays night in and night out, plus he’s a great shooter, relentless hustler and pesky defender.

Combine that with his sweet 41.4 percent shooting stroke from deep and his extensive veteran experience and leadership, and it isn’t hard to see how Mills could totally revolutionize Utah’s bench. Mills is no stranger to big shots or big moments and, as he showed in this summer’s FIBA play, can absolutely carry a team on his shoulders if needed. His fiery passion and incredible skill could work wonders for the Jazz.

Why the Spurs MIGHT do it:

This one feels like a bit of a long shot, but at this point, so do the San Antonio Spurs’ playoff odds. They’ve had a train wreck of a season thus far, and while the bottom of the West is very tightly compacted, it doesn’t feel like a turnaround is coming anytime soon.

As such, many believe the Spurs should just blow it up while they have a chance, perhaps going as far as to move DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge in an attempt to hit the reset button and look to the future to re-elevate San Antonio to its former glory days. If they went into fire sale mode, Mills could very well be one of the pieces moved as well.

The Spurs are another team that has had success in the reclamation of players, so perhaps they’d be intrigued by Exum’s potential and feel security in the additional assets the Jazz would undoubtedly have to provide. His defensive intensity would fit well in Gregg Popovich’s system and he could further solidify a strong defensive backcourt group comprised of Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Bryn Forbes.

If the Spurs go for the all-out tank, Mills will have plenty of suitors. Nevertheless, Exum may provide some interesting aspects that the Spurs like, and the Jazz absolutely should try to insert themselves into the conversation.