Ranking the Utah Jazz's top 10 trade assets heading into the offseason

Ranking the Utah Jazz’s top 10 trade assets heading into the offseason

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 23: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game at Vivint Arena on February 28, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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Adam Silver NBA Draft (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) /

5. 2025 unprotected First-Round pick (via Minnesota Timberwolves)

One of the premier assets from the Rudy Gobert trade was the 2025 unprotected first-round pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves. On the surface, this pick would be great even if it were in the top 5, but the fact that it’s entirely unprotected makes it even better. Because of the uncertainty that remains ahead of the Timberwolves, this is a pick that may only look better by the time 2025 rolls around.

The Gobert pairing with Karl-Anthony Towns hasn’t worked out as well as the Wolves would’ve liked it to at this point in the experiment, and there’s no guarantee that it will get better for the team. Considering the Wolves have effectively traded away their future, there’s at least a strong chance that by the time 2025 comes around, the Wolves will no longer be a playoff team in the West.

And that’s the biggest reason why this pick is so valuable—because it comes with so much mystery and possibility. This is one of those picks that many teams around the league will be looking for in any deal with the Jazz. If Utah wanted to make a marquee move this offseason, this is an asset that almost certainly could make any deal get done.