All eyes have been on the earth-shattering Luka Doncic trade last night. The Utah Jazz got what they wanted from that deal, but the biggest headline after the trade was announced was that they have been involved in the last three NBA trades.
However, it appears they may explore more from one of the trades they made. Thanks to Doncic, many have already forgotten this trade even though it literally happened yesterday, but the Jazz traded Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills for PJ Tucker, Mo Bamba, and a second-round pick.
Apparently, it won't end there because the Jazz have some plans with Tucker. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto revealed what routes the Jazz will take with Tucker.
"Utah hopes to flip newly acquired PJ Tucker for another team’s salary dump to land more future draft pick capital, league sources told HoopsHype. If Utah is unable to flip Tucker in another trade, he’s expected to be bought out, sources said," Scotto wrote.
This confirms what everyone already thinks: Tucker's not suiting up for the Jazz. It's all a matter of whether he leaves via trade or being waived.
What the Jazz could offer with Tucker
From a financial standpoint, Tucker has some appeal to teams trying to cut salaries. His deal expires after this season, which would help teams avoid those tax aprons and their ramifications. Because the Jazz are rebuilding until further notice, they are more than happy to take a bad contract, but they'll take a pick or two for their troubles.
The Jazz don't have to worry about cap flexibility because they're not trying to win and likely won't for some time. As long as they don't take in one of the league's worst contracts - someone like Bradley Beal comes to mind though he likely wouldn't want to go to Utah anyway - then this is a pretty easy decision to make.
The Jazz will a little less than four days to see this through. It's funny how cap flexibility has become more of a point of emphasis for teams these days, and it's another hole that the Jazz can exploit.
On another note, it is a shame that Tucker, who has made it clear that he just wants to play more than anything, is still being used like this and doesn't have a say on the matter. After over a year of waiting, he'll have to wait even longer to get what he wants.
The Jazz will grant his wish. It'll just be in due time.