3 trade ideas the Utah Jazz absolutely need to pass on

2 of 4

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles in front of Juan Toscano-Anderson #95 of the Utah Jazz during a 128-117 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on April 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /

In the first trade option on the table from NBA Analysis, we get the loan Jazz scenario where they’re buying. In this deal, the Jazz send Kelly Olynyk and Simone Fontecchio, alongside a 2029 second-round pick for Los Angeles Lakers player D’Angelo Russell.

Now, we’re not against the cost of this trade. Olynyk is very much a guy who could be dealt with for any number of reasons this season, none of which would hurt the Jazz. The team may lose depth but with the arrivals of John Collins, Keyonte George, Brice Sensabaugh, and Omer Yurtseven, Olynyk’s need isn’t as….well, necessary.

But that doesn’t make this a good trade. While the team wouldn’t be giving up anything they can’t live without, the issue is what they’re getting back, or more specifically who; D’Angelo Russell.

"Lakers Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk, F Simone Fontecchio, 2029 Second-Round Pick (UTA) Utah Jazz Receive: G D’Angelo Russell"

Let’s be frank, Russell isn’t an All-Star guard. Not only is he not an All-Star guard, he’s not even a starter anymore. The Lakers benched him for a reason. Teams keep trading him for a reason. After a while, you have to ask why someone would be traded four times in his career if he was worth having.

His value has plummeted and the Jazz would be wise to avoid falling into the perpetual trap that is Russell.

Home/Jazz News