Utah Jazz: Four trade possibilities for struggling center Ed Davis

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 29: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers and Alex Len #25 of the Atlanta Hawks fight for position during the game on November 29, 2019 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Alex Len

2019-20 Salary: $4.1 million

One of the things potentially working against the Jazz in trading Davis is that he isn’t on an expiring contract. When Utah signed him, it was to a two-year deal, which felt like a great decision at the time given Davis’ productive history. After seeing him through the first 32 games of the season, though, that second year is feeling more burdensome than helpful.

That may be the case when gauging trades for him as well, as teams are more apt to take on expiring contracts in these kinds of deals than they are to commit financially for more years. However, in some instances, teams may be willing to take both years of Davis’ contract if it fits what they’re trying to accomplish.

Such could be the case for the Atlanta Hawks and Alex Len.

The Atlanta Hawks were projected by many to be a competitive team this year with an outside shot to qualify for the postseason. Instead, they’ve been abysmal as they hold a 6-27 record, the worst mark in the East. It’s quite clear that while they have some exciting young talent, they are missing experience and leadership.

Enter a guy like Ed Davis, who may be able to provide some of that veteran savvy they desperately need. Not only that, but Davis is a terrific rebounder which is an area where the Hawks have struggled mightily. Atlanta currently ranks second to last in the NBA in rebounds per game and rebound percentage.

Even with Davis’ overall woes in Utah, he’s still been an effective rebounder which could help Atlanta significantly. Not only that, but the two years left on his contract shouldn’t be much of a concern for the Hawks. Not only is his $5 million on the books for next year not much to worry about, but Atlanta also currently has the lowest payroll in the league, meaning they have some wiggle room.

For the Jazz, Len would provide a big body at seven-feet tall, who can still rebound well and is at least a capable defender. Per 36 minutes, Len is putting up 16.9 points while pulling down 10.5 rebounds. He’s also reasonably efficient in the pick-and-roll, far better than Ed Davis anyway, as Len is posting 1.02 points per possession as the roll man and shooting 53.8 percent in that situation.

Compare that to Davis who has been one of the worst in the NBA in pick-and-roll production at 0.6 points per possession and a shooting percentage of 42.9 percent and it’s not hard to see how Len would be an upgrade, especially with how vital the pick-and-roll is in Quin’s system.

Len is also on an expiring contract, meaning it would only have to be a short experiment. If Len doesn’t work in Utah this year, the Jazz still have Tony Bradley to use as necessary, then they could move on from Len this offseason. Meanwhile, if the Hawks have any inkling that Len won’t want to stay as a free agent next year, they may be happy to part with him now for a veteran like Davis in return, especially if the former doesn’t figure into their long-term plans.

Between needing to add veteran leadership and experience on a young team, the Hawks’ poor rebounding and Len’s expiring contract, it might actually make sense for Atlanta to engage in a Len-Davis swap. For the Jazz, Len’s ability in the pick-and-roll along with his size and rebounding ability, not to mention a developing three-point shot, could make him a nice upgrade at the backup center spot.