No one knows what the future holds for the Utah Jazz, but they have positioned themselves to succeed in the long term. Among those who believe in the Jazz's long-term prospects is Milwaukee Bucks legend Michael Redd. Redd believes that in due time, Utah can make a big splash and better yet, will be able to convince big name free agents to join them.
When discussing the possibility of Ja Morant going to the Jazz, Redd brought up that while he thinks they are better off with Trae Young, he believes that under Ryan Smith, the Jazz can get some big names and that the Jazz can prove the biggest myth about Utah wrong.
If I’m Will Hardy, I’d sooner take Trae Young. Less risk.
— Michael Redd (@MichaelRedd_) November 1, 2025
Bigger picture: I do predict that in the next 12 months Jazz make their biggest free agent or trade splash under Ryan Smith’s regime.
And once they make one move, and guys realize SLC is a good place to live, the…
First of all, shout out to Redd for going out of his way to give props to Utah. He never became a Jazzman, but he played with Jazz legends Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer on the Redeem Team, which was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame. It's hard not to think they may have played a part in why Redd thinks so highly of Utah.
Also, he's not wrong. If they wanted to, the Jazz have the assets to acquire a big fish, and if things start to look more promising for the team, that could be all it takes to convince a big name free agent to join them.
Utah hasn't typically built its winning teams through trading for big names and signing a big fish in free agency, but there's a first time for everything. Smith has made it clear from the jump that he wants to make his mark in Utah. It's clear that Redd believes in what the Jazz owner could do
It helps to have Dwyane Wade by their side too
Wade is an NBA legend with widespread respect within the community. Moreover, he has maintained a 100% approval rating since joining forces with the Jazz. He could have ditched when Donovan Mitchell skipped town, but he has not only stuck around, but has gone out of his way to praise the Jazz's decisions when he can.
The Jazz haven't really had that before in franchise history, so it's a refreshing change of pace that could certainly break some barriers in due time. The Jazz have not seen results from it yet, but Smith and Wade together gives Utah some excitement.
There's no telling if Redd's words will be prophetic, but it's clear that he sees what Utah is trying to build with Smith as the owner. This season may not have a lot of wins, but that shouldn't stop fans from being excited about Redd's flattering sentiment on the team.