3 potential blockbuster pre-deadline trades for the Utah Jazz
By Jack Duggan
Utah Jazz make a deal with the Spurs
I believe this would be a worthwhile trade for both the Spurs and the Jazz. However, you could make the argument that Spurs fans might request more in return for their young guard. However, with Derrick White already being 27, I feel it makes sense for them to cash in now, and find a better long-term fit next to Dejounte Murray. Jordan Clarkson may not be that co-star for Murray, but he can provide veteran scoring and energy to a team not necessarily looking to contend right now.
The return for San Antonio would no doubt be about the future assets rather than the players they receive. Clarkson and Ingles mainly fit this deal to provide salary matching, thus the Spurs may request 2 first-round picks in this exchange, and I will leave it up to you to decide if that would be worth it. However, it feels like dealing Derrick White now for future picks makes sense for both sides involved.
Thaddeus Young has been vocal about his discomfort in San Antonio in regards to both fit and playing time. Most signs point to Young finding a new team either via trade or buyout sometime this season. To get 2 picks in return for the veteran big seems to be an ideal solution for the Spurs.
Of course, it might seem cold to trade Joe Ingles, who just recently suffered a major injury, but he remains the Jazz’s best tradable contract to match salaries, so don’t be too surprised to see him moved anyway.
For the Jazz, I feel this trade would be incredible. They receive a veteran big to fill the void left by Ingles, and someone who can help defend the inside and pull down rebounds. Being able to deploy Thaddeus at the center position in the playoffs could prove very valuable as well. Teams love to target the Jazz by going small at the five-spot, having Young inside could deter this.
Derrick White would be an excellent fit in Utah as well. A dynamic two-guard off the bench who can score as well as defend is an incredible asset. The Jazz have struggled to find consistent point-of-attack defenders, and acquiring White would give them a solid option in that department. Jordan Clarkson has provided valuable scoring off the bench for the Jazzmen, but I believe White can provide more versatility and consistency come playoff time.
Whether or not the Spurs would do this deal, or if the Jazz are willing to leverage future picks for present success, we will have to wait and see.