Ja Morant's latest controversy has spiked up trade rumors. There hasn't been any intel indicating the Memphis Grizzlies plan to trade him, but it feels like their time might be up. Even so, the Utah Jazz were urged to pass on Morant, and instead, turn their attention towards Trae Young.
Bucks legend Michael Redd believed that the Jazz should set their sights on Young instead of Morant.
If I’m Will Hardy, I’d sooner take Trae Young. Less risk.
— Michael Redd (@MichaelRedd_) November 1, 2025
Bigger picture: I do predict that in the next 12 months Jazz make their biggest free agent or trade splash under Ryan Smith’s regime.
And once they make one move, and guys realize SLC is a good place to live, the…
This isn't the first time Young has been brought up as a potential option for Utah. It is an interesting thought as Young is one of the league's premier offensive options, but Atlanta hasn't exactly had the most success since drafting him in 2018. They had one surprise run in 2021, but that was an odd time, and they haven't come close to it since.
But, the difference between him and Morant is obvious. For all of Young's faults, he isn't problematic like Morant has been for the past few years. He may not be long for the Hawks, but he hasn't shot himself in the foot like Morant has recently.
Pairing Young with Lauri Markkanen, one of the league's most offensively polished big men, is an exxiting thought. If they were to make a move like that, it would be because they don't think Young would be a problem in the locker room and that it would make for a perennial playoff contender.
They would also do it if they think Young is better than who they currently have.
Keyonte George's ascension may be enough for the Jazz to pass on a trade, period
Young and Morant are All-Star guards, which technically makes them more proven than who the Jazz have. However, for any Jazz fan who has been living under a rock, Keyonte George has looked like a potential franchise cornerstone this season.
His numbers across the board, sans his three-point shooting, are noticeably better than they were last season, and the eyes test confirms it. He's not only better offensively, but defensively as well. If he keeps this up, or dare I suggest get better, one can only wonder how much he pales in comparison to Morant or Young when the season is over.
Not only could he play at an All-Star level, but the Jazz would be paying him the chump change that is his rookie contract for another year after this one. Morant or Young would be quite expensive to have on the roster.
Right now, Utah shouldn't feel much pressure to do anything period because no one is demanding immediate results. In fact, because of George's improvement, many are excited to see what that could mean for their long-term ceiling.