Jazz strengthened 2 contenders with maligned trade of former star

The Utah Jazz didn't do much during the offseason in 2024. Though they were involved in plenty of trade rumors, particularly with Lauri Markkanen, nothing came of that. The Jazz did make one trade, and as it turns out, it may have done wonders for two Western Conference teams.

The lone trade the Jazz agreed to was signing-and-trading Kris Dunn to the Clippers in exchange for Russell Westbrook, a second-round pick, and some cash. The Jazz then waived Westbrook, where he then joined the Nuggets.

For the Jazz, these two moves meant a whole lot of nothing to them. They were losing Dunn anyway, and they had previously acquired Russ for assets only to waive him (the fact that they did it again is actually pretty funny). But for the Clippers and Nuggets, these moves have proven to be difference makers.

Early into the season, it's clear other contenders missed the boat on Dunn. The Clippers came into the season without Kawhi Leonard, which, in most cases, would be a problem. However, they have managed just fine without Kawhi, and Dunn has played a role in that.

For the Nuggets, Westbrook's fit in seamless, but it has improved over time. Even when he was in his prime, it was hard to see him fitting next to anyone, and that's become even more apparent as he's fallen out of his prime. However, in the Mile High City, he hasn't been bad. On a team that is desperate for support around Nikola Jokic, Westbrook has done his part.

The days of him putting up 20-plus points a game are gone, but as he's aged, Russ' all-around game has proven himself still valuable. If there is one player who can make it work, it's Jokic, and that's because, well, it's Jokic.

But is this all a problem for the Jazz? Well, why would it be?

The Jazz are helping teams without hurting themselves

At first glance, it's not all too much to watch Jazz alumni help other teams with their playoff aspirations, but what's comforting is knowing that this doesn't really cost the Jazz much in the grand scheme of things.

In a way, it's actually fun to see Dunn show his worth for a team that needs him. The Jazz not only saved his career, but brought it to a new height that he's now helping a team that definitely needs him knowing what they're missing.

The Jazz couldn't really care less about Westbrook in Denver, but they have shown that they will do players like him favors when their careers are in their homestretch.

As long as things ended on good terms between the Jazz and their former players, and as long as it doesn't really affect them too badly, it doesn't hurt too badly to see them succeed elsewhere. If one of Donovan Mitchell or Rudy Gobert end up winning a title, there's no reason for the Jazz organization not to be ecstatic for them.