After yet another season stuck in no-man's land, it hasn't been made clear at all what direction the Utah Jazz take this offseason. However, it appears they have had some modicum of trade discussions regarding two-time All-Star Zach LaVine.
NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson named the Jazz among the teams of whom the Bulls have discussed a trade for LaVine.
"Sources said Karnišovas has floated as many as 15 proposals centered on the two-time All-Star guard to various teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers," Johnson wrote.
After the Bulls traded Caruso, Johnson added a follow-up report revealing that the Bulls "remain active" on the trade fronts regarding LaVine while naming the Jazz and Sixers among the teams they've had discussions with. The NBA Offseason started only a few days ago, so there will be plenty of time for the Jazz to evaluate whether it's worth going after LaVine.
Should the Jazz truly consider Zach LaVine?
The pros and cons of adding Lavine have already been discussed at length here. For a team that's trying to win now while not having to sacrifice much in terms of assets, LaVine could be their guy. It's up in the air as to whether the Jazz fit that description.
LaVine has established himself as one of the league's premier scorers during his time with the Bulls. Sadly, it has only translated into one playoff appearance. That should scare off the Jazz from making a deal, even if he came with no strings attached. That's not necessarily a shot at LavIne.
For all of LaVine's undeniable talent, he's proven that he is not a game-changer. Most optimistically, he's the guy a contender puts next to a game-changer. So, with all of that out in the open, the Jazz wouldn't give him a second thought, right?
Well, think about this. The Jazz have done an excellent job at hoarding assets for the past two years. Perhaps for trading for LaVine isn't about acquiring a star talent on the cheap. Right now, LaVine's value is very low because he's coming off an injury-plagued year and he hasn't proven himself to be a winner on an NBA level.
If the Jazz consider the prospect of potentially raising his value even more should he thrive enough on the team, that could potentially lead to more assets. The Bulls want him off their payroll as soon as possible, and get more desperate by the day. If you can get a talent like that, and maybe shed off an albatross like John Collins, then resurrect his value enough to cash in on him, that's a scenario where a LaVine trade could appeal to the Jazz.
But keep in mind that such a scenario is a risk because there's no guarantee that LaVine would do that in Utah. The Jazz have struggled choosing a direction, and getting LaVine doesn't help in that regard. At the same time, acquiring him doesn't have to be the worst idea imaginable for Utah.