3 trade deadline goals for the Utah Jazz

It’s been a strange season for the Utah Jazz. To call it a disappointment is to acknowledge how lofty this group’s expectations were heading into the 2021-22 season. As it stands, they’re 31-21, good for fourth in the Western Conference.

The numbers suggest that they’re better than their record shows. Their 116.83 Offensive Rating is tops in the National Basketball Association. In spite of a 14th ranked 111.02 Defensive Rating, they boast a 3rd ranked 5.80 net rating.

That’s the statistical profile of a team on the fringe of contention. Unfortunately, the Utah Jazz are too old, too asset-strapped, and too ambitious for the fringe. It seems obvious that they’ll broker a trade leading up to this year’s February 10 trade deadline.

Here are 3 goals the team could look to achieve in a prospective deal.

Utah Jazz Trade Deadline Goal #1: Add playmaking

The Jazz’s lack of playmaking feels like it’s not discussed often enough. That’s probably because they’re most efficient offense in the NBA. There’s no real reason for this group to change their attack.

Still, the Jazz rank 27th in the NBA in assists per game at 22.0. Surely, there’s room for improvement there. Even with a league-leading Offensive Rating, regular Jazz watchers know that this offense is combustible. When it’s working, it’s the league’s most dynamic: when it isn’t, it can get ugly.

A few more assists per game might diversify an offense that runs an extra risk of getting stagnant in the postseason. It’s not as high of a priority as the next two goals we’ll set for the Jazzmen, but if a little playmaking comes along with one of their more pressing needs, it’ll be a great bonus.