Former no. 2 pick & 20-point scorer floated as trade target for Jazz

At this stage of the offseason, it seems unlikely that the Jazz will make any move that could alter the team's direction both in the present and future. However, if there's a chance for them to roll the dice on someone who could improve their ceiling, don't be shocked if they take it.

Someone who fits this description is Jalen Green. Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz explained why he sees Green as a trade target for the Jazz.

"For now, it appears that Keyonte George will become the franchise point guard in Utah. If the Jazz eventually trade veterans like Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, the team will need another high-upside talent next to him in the backcourt."

"Green has yet to sign an extension with the Rockets, and there's a real playstyle clash between him and Alperen Şengün. If Houston doesn't want to commit a huge contract to Green with so many other players needing to be paid in the next few years, they could accept a pick-rich package from Utah and save some money instead."

How a Jazz-Rockets Trade involving Green could actually work out for both sides

The funny thing about the Rockets and Jazz is that, though they are going in two different directions, they are in the same place until further notice. Both misses the playoffs and play-in, but while the Jazz are potentially playing for the worse, the Rockets have every intention to play better.

That's where a deal could be agreed upon where both sides can benefit. Swartz explained that the Jazz could offer a package laced with picks, but why not include veterans who could improve the Rockets' ceiling.

The odds of the Rockets taking on the likes of John Collins is not going to happen. However, with the Rockets' playoff intentions, who's to say they wouldn't take on the likes of Collin Sexton or Jordan Clarkson?

The Rockets wouldn't be among the contenders who would want Clarkson, but he and/or Sexton could take them to that next step since their goals are to make the playoffs in a cutthroat conference. Since the Rockets face a problem with Green and Sengun not fitting together, maybe those two could open the gates a little bit for that offense.

And if the Jazz add some picks on top of that for someone like Green, who's young, showed some telling improvement towards the end of last season, and could benefit from Will Hardy's tutelage, that might not be such a bad investment.

If that also requires getting someone like Jae'Sean Tate with the room exception the Jazz still have as sweetener, it could prove to be another step in the right direction for the Jazz, even if it wouldn't be right away.