Fan favorite's days are numbered after Jazz's Jaren Jackson Jr. trade

The Utah Jazz acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. means their frontcourt is loaded. In fact, maybe a little too loaded. The fact of the matter is, with JJJ, Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, someone is getting squeezed out, and it wouldn't be shocking in the slightest if that someone is Jusuf Nurkic.

Funny how back in September, no one would have batted an eye at that, as many were confused by Utah's trade for him. However, with the season halfway over, Nurkic has endeared himself to Jazz fans. Not only has he embraced being a Jazzman, which is rare to see, but he's making some Jazz history.

This is all to say that he has been good on top of being a model employee in Utah. However, it's hard to see him fitting with the Jazz's long-term vision. Before the JJJ trade, it was easier to see Nurkic sliding into a backup five role. Maybe that's still on the table, but his role will get slashed considerably next season, more than it was already projected to be with Kessler's return.

Nurkic's goal this season was to prove to the NBA that he can still play, and he's proved it. When Utah becomes whole again, he's not going to get that same chance. Maybe at the right price, he'll accept that but players with his current timeline typically the want both the right price tag and the right role.

Nurkic & the Jazz have said they want to stay together

Nurkic's actions both on and off the court suggest he prefers to stay with Utah. All indications are that the feeling is mutual on both sides. However, that was all before they traded for JJJ.

The trade changes they dynamic between the two sides. Nurkic may have wanted to stay back when he knew for certain that Utah would give him a consistent role, but with Jackson, that becomes tougher to comprehend.

The Jazz will still have cap space this summer, but their focus will be on giving Kessler the money he wants. Nurkic may very well still be on the checklist, but won't be a high priority, and a team with a starting spot may be impressed enough by his play to give him theirs. If the price is too high for the Jazz's taste, he may simply just walk.

It's not like losing Nurkic is a franchise-altering setback, but the guy is a good teammate who has consistently vocalized his loyalty to Utah.

It would still be great if he stayed in Utah, but no one should blame him if he wants more money and a bigger role than what the Jazz can offer.