The Utah Jazz have traded away two starters from their 2021/22 squad, that being All-Star Rudy Gobert, and the much smaller trade of Royce O’Neale, and heading into the upcoming season, they need to replace both of those players in the lineup. In the Gobert trade, the Jazz were able to get back a kings ransom of picks, as well as four players. Unfortunately for the Jazz and the depth chart the way it’s currently constructed, all of those players exist from the 1-3 spot on the court, and if they are to replace Gobert or O’Neale, they may need to use some of that draft capital that they just acquired.
We’ve done a post outlining which center’s the Jazz could use to replace Rudy Gobert, but O’Neale was also a valuable part of this lineup in 2021, so he will need replacing too, and if Utah can find a power forward that pairs well with Donovan Mitchell on both sides of the ball, it could be a move that helps them take the next step in the playoffs. There’s a chance that none of these players are actually available, but based on Utah’s needs and draft capital, they can outbid any other team and convince these teams to part with their power forwards, and if they have a desire of competing in 2022, these are the three names that they’ll need to target if they wish to make a deeper, more well rounded starting lineup.
3. Tobias Harris – Philadelphia 76ers
Tobias Harris is one of the most intriguing players in the NBA, as he certainly has talent and can go on streaks that match any player in the league, but with his hefty price-tag, he is often failing to live up to the money in the eyes of most. It’s because of this price-tag that many looking at the 76ers organization see them needing a third star alongside James Harden and Joel Embiid, and while the Jazz aren’t going to center a deal around Donovan Mitchell to land Harris, they could definitely target them as a duo.
Sure, the price-tag is still going to be high, and will come with lofty expectations, but Harris pairs much better with Spida than he does in Philadelphia, and if Utah can give up a few picks and potentially get Philly to take on some of Harris’ contract obligations, it makes complete sense for them going forward.
This is the most unlikely trade on the list, as although the draft picks would help Philly acquire a star alongside their two big names, they are likely just looking to make that happen in one trade, but if Utah can get the 76ers talking, they should certainly be trying to target pairing Tobias Harris with Donovan Mitchell going forward.