The J-Notes
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The Utah Jazz trade of Mike Conley reminds us all how hard moving mid-season can be

By Chad Porto

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 06: Lauri Markkanen #23 and Mike Conley #11 of the Utah Jazz look on during the first half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Arena on February 06, 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)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 06: Lauri Markkanen #23 and Mike Conley #11 of the Utah Jazz look on during the first half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Arena on February 06, 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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The trade of Mike Conley from the Utah Jaz reminds us that it’s not always easy being traded.

One of the hazards that comes with being an NBA team or NBA player is the fact that you may end up being traded to another city and team at some point. It’s nearly impossible for a player to go their whole career without being traded. Even if the biggest of the biggest get dealt in a deal, save for someone like LeBron James. But trading is part of the game, even Kobe Bryant got traded once.

It happens, and it’s a vital part of the league, but as fans found out from the Utah Jazz trade of Mike Conley, the trade doesn’t always come without unforeseen issues that need to get resolved. Namely, housing, and where someone will stay (and for how long).

This happens to everyone who gets traded, but as Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic wrote (via Sports Illustrated), former Jazz guard Mike Conley had to find this out, with Krawczynski writing;

"Conley came over in a trade from Utah in February and had little time to acclimate before plunging into a break-neck push for the playoffs. He lived out of a hotel for much of the season while his wife and children remained back in Utah. Once the season ended with the playoff loss to Denver, the Conleys were able to catch their breath, reunite and start to shift their lives to Minnesota. The timing was good in a way, giving the Conleys an opportunity to see a version of Minnesota that wasn’t frigid."

Everyone who likes the NBA likes the aspect of trading. It makes the entire experience more fun, but we often forget the human element that goes into these things. Conley had to leave his wife and children behind in another state. A nearly three-hour plane ride, or worse yet, an 18+ hour drive.

That takes a lot out of someone and knowing you had to say goodbye to those you love for an unknown amount of time weighs on you.

It’s a reason why we should be a bit more gracious to players. It’s hard to uproot everything on a whim.

Next. 4 legendary Utah Jazz players with a case to be in the Hall of Fame. dark

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