5 Trades to clear the Utah Jazz’s big man logjam
By Tyler Watts
4. Jazz swap big man for a guard with Wizards
The Washington Wizards entered a full-scale rebuild this offseason. Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis were sent out as the team looks to start over. That could create a chance for two retooling teams to better balance out their current rosters.
This trade works because it solves a bit of a need for both sides. The Jazz are light in the backcourt behind Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton. Talen Horton-Tucker can play some three, and there is no guarantee that Keyonte George is ready for a rotation role on opening night, despite his summer league performance.
The Wizards have Daniel Gafford and Kyle Kuzma, but the only trusted big men behind those two would be Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala, who could both ask out at any moment. Washington has no plans on winning games, but they want to fill their rotation. Acquiring a big man could become necessary if Gallo or Muscala requests a buyout or demands a trade.
The Utah Jazz would certainly ask for a draft pick, but the Wizards have zero reason to oblige. They are comfortable entering the season with an ill-fitting roster as they look to tank their way into a top selection in 2024. The Jazz may have to accept this is the best they can do and make the move as training camp approaches.