There has been a lot of trade buzz surrounding the Utah Jazz lately. While getting into the trading season spirit is fun, the usual suspects like John Collins, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and Walker Kessler have shown up on the rumor mill. However, a new Jazzman's name has emerged in the trade rumor mill.
NBA Insider Jake Fischer revealed on Marc Stein's Substack that one particular underutilized Jazz guard could be on a new team. He explained that teams may consider adding productive players on cheap contracts, which is why this Jazz player fits the mold.
"Do you want more shooting? Seth Curry's cap hit on a $3.3 million salary this season is an even $2 million in Charlotte. The same holds for veteran sage Patty Mills in Utah."
Mills has been mentioned in potential Jazz trade scenarios. Because he's paid $2 million, and his contract expires after this season, he would hold a lot of appeal in a trade. Since he's 36, it's not like teams are trading for the Mills that helped the Spurs win a title, but teams that want to acquire shooting at the cheapest price possible
Having said that...
Mills hasn't exactly been a sharpshooter for the Jazz this season
It's not like Mills has been a regular in the Jazz's rotation. He's only played in nine games for the Jazz and hasn't played since November 9. He's shooting a hair under from distance, too, though one may ask if that's his doing or perhaps it's because he's playing for a team that doesn't boast a particularly strong offense.
Given his age and the fact that Utah is giving Isaiah Collier reps over Mills, it's no surprise that he's not playing. Nor is it a surprise that Mills is a potential trade target.
The Jazz brought in Mills during the offseason more for his veteran leadership than anything else, and for that alone, they may not trade him. However, if teams really are that desperate for cheap shooting, this is an opportunity for the Jazz to get another asset.
Utah should not expect a first-rounder or anything for someone like Mills, especially since the Jazz already have plenty of those. However, they could get a second-rounder or two out of it since Mills has a reputation.
The Jazz have been pretty active around the trade deadline for the past few seasons. If Mills gets dealt, odds are he won't be the biggest name traded from the Jazz around that time. However, because of how the current market works, it would be a fun surprise to see the Jazz get something out of him.