Utah Jazz: Three names to monitor as we approach trade deadline

While the Utah Jazz are not in the midst of trade rumors recently, other teams’ transactions could very well impact how far Utah goes in this year’s playoffs.

The NBA trade deadline is approaching quick, and it looks more likely than not that Utah will stand pat.

The only glaring need to fix right now is the backup center position. Tony Bradley has had his moments, but his inconsistency will make it tough to beat a team in the playoffs like the Los Angeles Lakers who have better depth in the frontcourt than the Jazz.

The Jazz have the assets to go trade for Alex Len or Aron Baynes, but the asking price would be costly for a Jazz team that is running dry on future first round picks. At this point it doesn’t seem fitting to cash in a bunch of assets for a backup center that doesn’t move the needle very high.

However, there has been no shortage of rumors swirling around the rest of the league. There’s been a big enough sample of about 50 games for NBA teams to decide if they are sellers or buyers at this year’s deadline.

There were rumors in the preseason that the Raptors could be sellers with Marc Gasol and Kyle Lowry, and find a new home for them with team on the rise. Six months later, that sounds absolutely absurd.

The same thing could be said about Chris Paul. I was convinced he wouldn’t end the season with the Thunder, but alas, he has led them to a surprising good year with a solid grip on the seventh playoff spot out West.

We’ve already seen a few deals go down, including the massive four team trade that took place last night. What else could possibly happen that may rock the Jazz’s boat this spring?

Here are some rumors to keep your eyes on.