Acquiring Josh Green can work out in multiple ways for the Utah Jazz. Either he can be a solid part of their playoff rotation this coming season, or he's a nice, big expiring contract the team can use to acquire an upgrade. If Utah's frontcourt proves it's not strong enough to withstand Walker Kessler's absence this season, Green's contract could be used to fill that hole.
The Jazz acquired him because he is much more likely to help them than Cody Williams or John Konchar. It's possible he will work out, but the Jazz have traded productive players who worked out for them for someone they believed was the better option. Jae Crowder and Kyle Korver were awesome Jazzmen, and that didn't stop them from getting Mike Conley Jr. when they had the chance.
Green could absolutely turn into a Crowder- or Korver-type if all goes well. To the point where he could become a fan favorite should he elevate the Jazz's shoddy defense. However, titlle contenders these days are nahrdly ever built on sentiment.
There shouldn't be high expectations of Green as of now, but that can change down the line. At the very least, fans should expect just about any outcome. If he plays a key role in how the Jazz get the last piece of their first title team, that's a small price to pay.
Other reasons could be at play
For the time being, Jusuf Nurkic has been deemed Walker Kessler's replacement this season, and for good reason. He thrived in an environment with low expectations last season by doing exactly what Utah asked of him as a rebounder, passer, and a presence down low.
But everyone knows that the clock is ticking on him. Plus, if it's clear Utah is an upgrade a center away from really scaring the entire league, they'd be foolish to pass on the chance.
Nurkic will make around $10.6 million this season while Green will make $14.7 million, for a total of, give or take, $25.3 million. That could be quite useful if a center becomes available. Plus, if a slightly more expensive one hits the market, Utah should have no issue adding an extra contract or two to make it work.
Look, the Jazz have no reason to do anything right now. Utah needs to see their product on the floor to see what advantages and limitations they have. When they do, and it's clear a potential improvement is both necessary and available, they should go for it.
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