Fact: the Utah Jazz have the No. 2 pick in what is considered to be a pretty stocked NBA Draft. Rumor: Austin Reaves is still on the Jazz's radar. Conclusion: this fact and this rumor could actually intertwine.
Because this draft is so loaded, there's really no way the Jazz could get this wrong. However, if they are serious about Reaves, that could definitely could impact who they pick at No. 2.
For the time being, the consensus is that AJ Dybantsa, who the Jazz want (and the feeling is mutual), will be the No. 1 pick. That's not a sure thing, but it is the prevailing narrative at the moment. So that leaves the Jazz with the chance to pick one of Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, or Caleb Wilson.
Because Utah's already locked and loaded with their frontcourt, the consensus is that they will pick Peterson with the No. 2 pick, as they have a more pressing need at guard. Even so, there's still a lot of intrigue to Boozer, who not only has ties to the Jazz through his dad, but has been argued as the prospect with the highest ceiling.
No one's trying to advocate for whom the Jazz should take, but if they pass on Peterson to draft Boozer (or trade down to get him), that would not only speak volumes about how they feel about Boozer, but also about their confidence that they can get their hands on Reaves.
If they are dead set on Reaves and believe they can get him, there's no need for someone like Peterson. Granted, the Jazz's frontcourt is talented enough that there would be no need for Boozer either, but even so, taking Boozer would be about taking BPA while also confirming they think Reaves is within their grasp.
It would be tricky, but it can get done
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a tough spot right now. They have some pretty important decisions to make with Reaves and LeBron James. As good as Reaves is, there are legitimate questions about how he and Luka Doncic fit together.
Not that they're not potent as a duo offensively, but defensively, there are a lot of questions about them going forward. If the Lakers have some second thoughts about paying a hefty bill to keep him, the Jazz could work something out to get him on the team.
As far as how they would do that is hard to figure out. No Lakers fans, a Reaves-for-Walker Kessler swap isn't happening, but there are young players at Utah's disposal - Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski - that could interest them if they're not interested in keeping Reaves but don't want to lose him for nothing.
Now, if the Jazz draft Peterson, or if Dybantsa is somehow available for them with the No. 2 pick, then that would be a good sign that they're not confident in their Reaves pursuit.
But if they take Boozer (or just don't take Peterson) that could be a telling sign that they strongly believe that they can get Reaves if they play their cards right.
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