What is Patrick Beverley’s future with the Utah Jazz?
By Nathan Smith
Patrick Beverley is one of the most polarizing players in all of the NBA today, and when he was traded to the Utah Jazz as a part of the Rudy Gobert deal, many expected him to play a big role for this team going forward around Donovan Mitchell. Reports over the last day or so however have shown that the Jazz may be interested in trading the superstar guard, and that’s left Beverley in a unique spot with the franchise in Salt Lake City.
If the Jazz wanted to re-tool this roster around Mitchell and take a run at the very tough Western Conference top dogs, then Beverley, with his intense defensive attitude and playmaking abilities would be a big help in that, but in recent days, it seems like Danny Ainge could be intent on burning it all down and starting over again. That doesn’t benefit Beverley at all, and that’s exactly where the following quote comes from:
Pat Bev on the Jazz:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 12, 2022
“Utah ya’ll tryna win or ya’ll tryna tank, let me know… We gon take Utah all the way, or Utah gon say they don’t need me and we can go somewhere else?” pic.twitter.com/W0RewC0X9k
At this point in his career, it’s understandable that Beverley doesn’t want to be part of a long rebuild, which is where the Jazz seem to be headed, but if Utah can somehow move the salary of Mike Conley, then the point guard rotation in Salt Lake City could be a combination of Beverley and Jordan Clarkson. Whatever happens with Donovan Mitchell, it’s safe to say that it’s going to rock the entire NBA, but given Beverley’s age and ability to help a contender, it’s likely that if Mitchell is moved, someone like Pat Bev will also be moved, or bought out.
In recent days, there’s reportedly been interest from the Lakers and the Heat for the outspoken, defensive stud of a point guard, and as it’s not clear whether the Lakers will be landing Kyrie Irving or moving onto secondary targets yet, the Jazz seem to be in a perpetual waiting game at this point to decide their future.
So what do you think? Should the Jazz use Beverley as part of a re-tool around Donovan Mitchell? Should the team move him on for a draft pick or a promising young player? Who or what team do you have in mind? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.