3 power forwards the Utah Jazz could target in a trade
By Nathan Smith
2. Julius Randle – New York Knicks
When most people see the New York Knicks and the Utah Jazz linked, it would be for the Knickerbockers rumoured desire to trade their plethora of picks for Donovan Mitchell, but with a young, impressive forward named Obi Toppin waiting in the wings, most Knicks fans want to see him take over the starting role. It’s more likely than not that New York start the season with Julius Randle at the four, but if the Jazz want to pair a great shooter with size and a handle with Donovan Mitchell, there’s no one that fits the playmaking bill better than the 2020/21 All-NBA star.
His value certainly dipped after an average 2021/22 campaign (where he still put up 20/10/5), but it was the attitude problems and the lack of effort on the defensive end that hurt his stock more than anything. This is where the Jazz can slide in, and trade for Randle at his lowest value, while using some of the picks acquired in the Gobert trade, as well as opening up the log-jam at the guard position.
The Knicks may not look to part with Randle for scraps, but if the Jazz are happy to offload some first round picks and a talented name or two like Malik Beasley, Leandro Bolmaro or other young players acquired in the trade, there’s a possibility that the Knicks take that deal and look to use all those picks to acquire a star. His fit alongside Mitchell, Bogdanovic and Mike Conley isn’t the worst, and if he can get back to form away from the spotlight in Utah, the Jazz may be on the precipice of taking the next step forward.