Rumor: Jazz may go in opposite direction than most expect

The Utah Jazz have positioned themselves for the tank, yet there seems to be a growing sentiment that they still aren't truly bad enough to be considered among the worst teams in the NBA.

While their current roster will likely be the one for opening night, Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus mentioned something in passing that might be worth considering as the 2024-25 season progresses.

While explaining his one hot take for each NBA team, Pincus had this to write about the Jazz.

"Look for the Jazz to be a buyer in trade for an All-Star talent needing a long-term home."

Pincus did not elaborate on that, nor did he name anyone in particular that the Jazz could target, but it is something that should catch the eye of the Jazz fanbase. Besides keeping Lauri Markkanen for the long-term, they still have a strong assortment of veterans on the roster and even added a few more during the offseason.

So what it all comes down to is, what would it take for the Jazz to reverse course in a season where many believe (and hope) that they will tank for the likes of Cooper Flagg?

Their early-season performance could determine whether or not this happens

For what it's worth, if the Jazz start the season winning one or two of the first 15 games, it would make no absolutely no sense on their part to say, "You know what, we should go grab the next All-Star available," because by then, the damage is pretty much done. Those first 15 games, more often than not, set the tone for the rest of the season.

However, if they win, say, six to eight of those first 15 games, then that could be just good enough for them to yet again consider the best route to take. Tanking suddenly doesn't look like a too obvious option, and they don't want to ruin something that's working. That would put them in a position to potentially acquire a star.

Again, regarding who in particular could the Jazz get is very much in the air. Plans change for NBA teams. No one knows when a team or a star decide that's time to make a change. If they do, and they coincide with a promising Jazz season, that could potentially lead to something. Keep in mind that this hypothetical scenario requires a bunch of moving parts.

Plus, the likelihood of all of this happening knowing the Jazz's schedule is next to nil. The Western Conference will be a bloodbath with plenty of teams itching to make the playoffs. The Jazz are one of the very few that is not projected to fight for the playoffs.

Still, no one saw how the Jazz would do these last two seasons coming. Who's to say those days are truly over, or better yet, if they stand to get better from here?