If the NBA Deadline was today, would the Utah Jazz be buyers or sellers in the trade market? it's a fair question, mainly because of the up-and-down nature of the season from the boys of Salt Lake City, but one we can't answer just yet. The Jazz started off terribly, going 7-16 to start the season. Some tinkering to the starting five and the bench rotation has gotten the Jazz to go 8-3 over its last 11 to raise their record to 15-19.
The Jazz are no longer one of the worst teams in the NBA and are once again fighting for playoff relevancy. They have the Detroit Pistons, who are 3-30 on the season and then after that, they have the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Milwaukee Bucks all on the road in three consecutive games, and then they return to home to Utah to face the Denver Nuggets.
The club could easily see four-straight losses, but should they at worst split the four games going 2-2 (assuming a win against the Pistons) then the Jazz would be 18-21 after what may be the toughest seven-game stretch they'd see all season.
If they're at worst 18-21 after this stretch of seven games, then the Jazz would be wise to make a move to bolster this team. Guys like Marcus Smart, Pascal Siakam, and probably Dejounte Murray could probably be had for a price, and if the price is a few picks, and guys like Jordan Clarkson and John Collins then the Jazz should absolutely do it.
However, if the Jazz comes out of this stretch 16-23 or worse, somehow, then it may be a sign that the Jazz should turn into sellers. While they wouldn't be out of the playoff race just yet, the fact that they couldn't beat the Celtics, Nuggets, Bucks, and 76ers is a sign that this roster may not be ready to compete in the playoffs, and if it's not, then what's the point of wasting draft capital just to lose in the Play-In Tournament or the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
The Jazz should only make moves if they feel they can be taken seriously in the playoffs, and maybe make some noise; while also adding pieces this year that can help them build long-term as well.