Utah Jazz: 3 trades to consolidate depth and add star power

DeMar DeRozan and the Utah Jazz undeniably make for strange bedfellows. The Jazz paced the entire Association in three-pointers attempted per game last season, at 43.1 per night. DeRozan, meanwhile, avoided the three ball like awkward small talk, firing a mere 1.2 attempts per game (while connecting on a typical and unimpressive 25.7% of those attempts). Why, then, would Utah orchestrate what would, by necessity, be a sign-and-trade with the Spurs, moving two of their most consistent floor-spacers in the process?

How about vastly superior playmaking and shot creation? If those qualifies as sufficient reasons, this trade makes complete sense for the Utah Jazz. Structurally speaking, these are qualities the Jazz could have used more of last season, as playmaking responsibilities fell primarily on Donavan Mitchell, Mike Conley Jr. and Jordan Clarkson. A formidable trio, however, one that looked awfully vulnerable in the playoffs, as Conley’s right hamstring failed him and Clarkson’s efficiency predictably torpedoed.

In DeRozan, the Jazz would be acquiring a player who, despite his three-point shooting woes, could more reliably ease Mitchell and Conley’s playmaking burden. DeRozan has spent the past three seasons evolving in Gregg Popovich’s team-minded basketball laboratory, and the results have been stunning, as last year’s 6.9 assists per game represented a high water mark for his career. DeRozan also chipped in 21.6 points per game on a highly efficient 49.5% from the field.

A commonly cited statistic amongst DeRozan’s detractors is that his on/off court net rating has been negative during every season of his career besides 2010-11 (which, to say the least, was not yesterday). Undoubtedly, the trend is concerning. However, the Jazz could offer Derozan a role that he’s never played before, and might actually be born to: Sixth Man.

While it may be difficult to picture the 4x All-Star starting games on the pine, it makes incredible basketball sense. Having spent the bulk of his minutes at the 4 position last season, it can officially be said that DeRozan can play any position besides center.

Positional versatility is an ideal quality for a Sixth Man, as DeRozan can sub into countless lineup formations on a situational basis. He can also fulfil the more traditional requirement of a sixth man by carrying the second unit’s offense far more reliably than Clarkson (who, should the Jazz acquire DeRozan, would likely be traded in a separate deal). Even with his struggles from three-point range, DeRozan’s 59.1% true shooting percentage (TS%) last season comfortably trumped Clarkson’s 54.9%.

With DeRozan linked heavily to the Clippers, Lakers, Mavericks and Heat, this scenario feels unlikely. With that said, in the National Basketball Association, unlikely scenarios come to fruition during every offseason. A union between DeMar DeRozan and the Utah Jazz could be beneficial for both sides.