The other day, we examined how the Thomas Byrant trade affected the Utah Jazz. In short, it doesn't affect it much, but it does affect what the Jazz should expect in return for Drew Eubanks when he becomes available, given that both Eubanks and Bryant are backup centers.
Now, the NBA has its latest trade with Nets guard Dennis Schroder headed to the Warriors. Schroder has had an excellent season on a Nets team that had no long-term use for him, hence he's now on a Warriors team depserate for a boost back into contention.
Unlike the Bryant trade, this actually can impact the Jazz in more ways than one.
The Nets are throwing in the towel
The Nets came into the season expected to be one of the league's worst teams, and they're... decently fun? While they're not in the thick of the playoff race, they turned out better than everyone thought they would by starting at 10-15.
Schroder was one of their best players, so trading him signals that they plan to make some wholesale changes. That means they will embrace the tank from here on out, which isn't exactly the most exciting news for the Jazz.
It's never great news when the Jazz find out they have more tanking competition. Luckily, the Jazz's 5-19 record gives them a pretty solid advantage over the Nets in that department. However, they must keep the Nets at arm's length for their tank to succeed.
Schroder's trade return may set the market for Jazz guards
It makes sense why Schroder was traded before the likes of Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson. His contract is expiring, and he has more recent experience helping a winning team than Sexton or Clarkson do. He also has a much better rep as a defender.
Also, the Warriors gave up three second-round picks (while getting one from the Nets) to get Schroder. That may also set the bar for what the Jazz should expect in return for Clarkson or Sexton. Neither of them are overpaid, but potential trade partners may use the Nets trade return against the Jazz in trade discussions.
It wouldn't be surprising if the Jazz don't get the best return for Clarkson, but Sexton is a different story. He's younger, and he's more efficient as a scorer. What's held against him is that he's never played for a winning team.
Trading season is finally coming, and it's fair to say that Schroder is one of the bigger names that will likely be dealt. The real question is, does a trade like this push for the Jazz to sell earlier or later?