If there's one thing the Utah Jazz's fanbase has screamed at them to do after last season ended, it was "pick a lane." Thus far, it looks like the Jazz finally have. It hasn't been a pretty sight to watch, but no one's complaining because at least there's an endgame.
The Jazz might be tanking right now, but just because that is their best option going forward doesn't mean going the opposite route would have been the wrong choice. As it turns out, the Jazz had that option. The Athletic's Tony Jones gave the full details.
This is a great point. But what I know is the Jazz have tried to make a significant move in each of the past three offseasons and it hasn't worked out. So right now building through the draft is what is most within their control. That means losing a lot https://t.co/xGvgU7Fw4V
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) November 13, 2024
There hadn't been any reports of the Jazz necessarily chasing any big fish, but that doesn't mean they didn't try. That might explain why they toed the line between tanking and chasing the play-in. Now that getting a big fish doesn't appear to be an option, now they are embracing the tank.
There is an upside to not making a commitment to anyone.
Why keeping the Jazz's options open looks like the right move
The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen explained why the route they're going might be the best one in the end.
They also might have dodged a bullet... both Mikal Bridges and Paul George have dropped their level of play a step or two or three https://t.co/sxgcfksKrR
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) November 13, 2024
Look at where the Knicks and Sixers are right now. They made those major splashes believing it would vault them up to another level, and thus far, it's been disasters for both of them. They haven't been all-out terrible, but neither team is better than they were last year, which is a problem because they are committed to those two long-term with not too many options to escape.
In recent months, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been brought up as a possible option for the Jazz - they have the necessary assets to acquire him - but trading for him is not as easy a move as it sounds.
Now, Giannis is a much better player than George or Bridges will ever be, but making that level of commitment still comes with a risk. He would want to win immediately, which the Jazz really can't promise if they got him. He may be among the best players ever, but if the Jazz can't get the necessary support for him, that could be a disaster waiting to happen.
This might explain why they didn't trade Lauri Markkanen
As everyone knows, Markkanen did pop up in trade rumors during the offseason, but the general vibe there wasn't much traction there. The Jazz chasing after a superstar may have played a role in why they kept him around and gave him a raise.
For all the young talent the Jazz will likely assemble, until further notice, Markkanen is the most established individual talent they have. There's no guarantee they can find someone who will be better in the draft. That plays a hand in why they have tried to put another star next to him before assembling a youth movement.
However, Markkanen will be trade-eligible this coming July. While that may be a long time from now, if the Jazz don't make a trade before he does, don't be surprised if he gets brought up again on the trade rumor mill.
Since starting over in 2022, the Jazz don't have a perfect rap sheet - John Collins, anyone? - but they haven't had any outright costly disasters. Sure, the people will want to see results, but for all the losses that will come in the coming months, at least the Jazz won't have any regrettable commitments weighing them down long-term.