Utah Got a Massive Haul
On top of adding serviceable players, Utah added four draft picks and a pick swap. With first-round picks in 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029, and a pick swap in 2026, the odds of the Jazz fonding their way into the lottery are pretty solid. Yes, Minnesota will be good in 2023 and 2025, but in 2027 they could have the worst record in the league, depending on how this experiment goes.
Also, the 2029 pick is very lightly protected, so that pick could end up being a top ten level player. On top of that, Walker Kessler was drafted just this year, so you could think about him as yet another draft pick.
Even if you want Utah to give it all they have and try to win now, with these picks, if they are able to dump enough salary, they could make a deal with Phoenix to acquire Deandre Ayton, who would be a great rim-runner to pair with Donovan Mitchell.
The Utah Jazz have interest in exploring a trade for Suns restricted free agent Deandre Ayton. Would have to be a sign and trade since they do not have cap space.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 1, 2022
Imagine that pair in the pick and roll. Even if Utah doesn’t make a move like that to acquire another talented big, the trade is very good for Utah’s long-term future. Kessler could be the next Gobert, and even if he is not a star then they can use their seemingly unlimited draft capital to find a new star big man. That being said, just looking at highlights I’m optimistic that Kessler could be the best part of the trade, maybe counting out that 2027 pick.
Regardless of the short-term effects, Minnesota is very clearly all-in on finally winning a banner now, and the Utah Jazz has set themselves up for long-term success, with some risk-taking included. Time will tell if the trade worked out for the Jazz, but fans shouldn’t have to wait long.