As far as suggestions go, this certainly isn't one Utah Jazz fans would think of. It certainly would change the trajectory of the Jazz's future, but perhaps not one they want to make.
Basketball Hall-of-Famer Paul Pierce explained on "All the Smoke" why he believes the Jazz go after All-NBA guard Trae Young.
Lauri Markkanen has reenergized the Utah Jazz and just got PAID for his efforts 🤑
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) August 7, 2024
Should Utah look to add more high caliber and veteran pieces? #UtahJazz #LauriMarkkanen pic.twitter.com/XMmbK2V1Es
"Do you know who could add to that team? You know who would be nice for that team? You get him in Utah they’re going to be a problem, Trae Young. I don’t like him in Atlanta right now. They ain’t going nowhere. You throw Trae Young in Utah right now? They’ll be a problem with that team."
Young is only 25 years old, has made multiple All-Star teams, and even has an All-NBA appearance to his name. He also has some modicum of playoff success, as he and the Hawks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, but they haven't been anywhere near that three years later.
Young is in the same place as Markkanen, as he's not necessarily a kid by NBA standards, but his prime is around the corner and he has proven that he can play at an All-Star level. The flaws are there and they are obvious, but it's rare to see a scorer/playmaker of his magnitude available that young.
Is Trae Young a crazy suggestion for the Jazz?
Everyone has questioned what exactly the Jazz plan to do now that they have Lauri Markkanen extended for the next five years. They have plenty of young talent that *could* be special someday, but there's no promise that they will.
Young is a flawed star, but he is one of the league's best offensive engines no questions asked. Defensive issues aside, what holds Young back is the fact that he hasn't exactly proven himself a winning player in recent years and he is owed a lot of money.
Much like the Jazz, the Hawks are also stuck with no clear direction going forward. They just received the No. 1 pick in a weak draft, then proceeded to trade Dejounte Murray for not much. It's not exactly clear what they plan to do since they've been stuck in no-man's land since their miracle run in 2021.
There have been rumors that Young may hit the trade market over the last year or so. The Hawks have hung onto him, but that may signal that they're not simply getting rid of him. If the rumors are real, the Jazz would have an appeasing package for Young.
If they acquired him, Young would not be the final piece of the Jazz's title team, but he would be a signal that they want to take another step forward in their path to a title. His potential acquisition should garner the same reaction that it would if they acquired rumored trade target Brandon Ingram.
As long as the Jazz have an idea of who else to get, trading for Young is not the worst idea.