With media day quite literally tomorrow, the Utah Jazz probably aren't making any late offseason additions. That's why signing someone like D'Angelo Russell would be quite shocking with everything about to start in the coming weeks. Plus, it's not like adding Russell changes much about Utah's outlook or really anyone else's for that matter.
There's a reason why Russell was traded in a salary dump, then waived by a transitioning team like Memphis, and has not since been picked up after clearing waivers. Russell was once an exciting talent but never consistently put it together. At this stage of his career, he'll be chasing veteran's minimum contracts.
He doesn't hold nearly as much value to a team like Utah as he did a few years ago. In fact, if the Jazz brought him in, whether it be tomorrow or mid-season, it would be for one of two reasons.
1. Motivate the young players to play better
The likes of Isaiah Collier and Brice Sensabaigh haven't been harped out much this summer, but that's what happens when the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr. gets traded to Utah, Walker Kessler gets traded and Keyonte George gets an extension. They kind of get lost in the shuffle.
In all honesty, that's unfair because those two could be more important to Utah's success than many give them credit for. However, it's not a given. Now, the Jazz are playing to win, so despite being in a pressure-free environment, Utah will test everyone to see who's worth keeping and who should be traded.
Adding Russell could push Collier and Sensabaugh to play at their best, as it's not guaranteed that they will stick with the team. Russell won't light the world on fire, but the Jazz could send a message to players like them through D-Lo: Step up or sit on the bench.
2. Be a failsafe in case the young players aren't working out or traded
On the flip side, It's possible Sensabaugh and Collier play a little too well in the roles that either they get too expensive for Utah to keep long-term and/or they use them to get a necessary upgrade to strengthen their chances at a potential title run.
If the Jazz make such a semi-seismic mid-season shakeup, they will need players to round out the rotation. Russell could fill the part if there aren't better or more realistic options.
There is also the chance their young players are not ready for thie big time quite yet, so they need someone a bit more proven. Russell doesn't have the best track record, but he is someone teams recognize as a scorer. He's fallen off hard over the past few years, but there are worse options out there.
The reason why it had to be explained specifically in this context is that there is no reason for Utah to add Russell right now. The Jazz should be fine with where they are so they don't have to make any changes like adding him unless it's clear these reasons listed above prove themselves to be true.
Russell's not a great option, but in terms of buy-low (operative word being low), he's not terrible.
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