Ace Bailey hasn't exactly lit the world on fire with the Utah Jazz yet, but there are still reasons to be optimistic about him long-term. Bailey has plenty of time to figure himself out, but one way the Jazz could unlock him is if they pair him up with his college teammate, Dylan Harper.
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey floated Harper among the Jazz's dream targets this season, though he didn't elaborate much on the matter. However, the matter itself is pretty self explanatory. Harper was the No. 2 pick in what was considered a loaded draft and played with Bailey at Rutgers last season.
He hasn't necessarily dominated in the NBA, but his numbers aren't too shabby, as he averages 14 points, four rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. An oversized point guard that drew comparisons to Jazz legend Deron Williams before he was drafted, he and Bailey could make some magic together in Utah.
Of course, it's not like San Antonio would simply give Harper away. They would only do it for a player who is not only currently better but is also more ready to contribute to the playoffs. That's where Lauri Markkanen would come into play.
How the Spurs would even entertain something like this in the first place would be if the Jazz put Markkanen on the table. The Spurs are making it clear to the NBA that their next reign of dominance is on the horizon with Victor Wembanyama's ascension. Markkanen would help them get there faster than Harper would currently.
it would all depend on how patient the Spurs would be willing to be with Harper.
Trading for Harper would help Utah embrace their youthful direction
While it's not like the Jazz don't have a big enough youth movement as it is, it goes without saying that the team's best player has easily been Markkanen during a time in which many believe Utah's primary intention is to see who among their young players should be part of the future.
One way they can truly find the answer to that is if they trade Markkanen, but a. they should only do it if they believe that's their best option and b. only if they get someone as exciting as Harper in return for him. Even if Utah decides it's best to trade Markkanen, there's no guarantee that the Spurs would put Harper in a trade for him.
If they would though, acquiring Harper would make it entirely clear that the Jazz have embraced the youth entirely. Better yet, both he and Bailey could be potential cornerstones for Utah once they have enough experience under their belt.
For the record, the Jazz should not trade Markkanen just because. There are only a certain group of young players that would be a satisfactory return for the Finnish star. Harper is one of them both becuase of what he could be and because of what he and Bailey could do as a duo.