The J-Notes
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3 players the Jazz can trade for before the 2024-25 season starts

Are the Jazz finished making moves? Or do they have another trade in the works?

By Dan Lower

Mar 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dunks the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (5) and guard Scoot Henderson (00) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dunks the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (5) and guard Scoot Henderson (00) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Kuzma over Davis
Apr 3, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) shoots the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) defends in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Kuzma - Washington Wizards, forward

Once again, Kuzma is in trade rumors. Even after signing an extension a year ago to remain in Washington, the youth movement in DC has him and other veterans on the roster looking expendable, especially if the Wizards want a shot at Cooper Flagg in 2025.

For the Utah Jazz, Kuzma could play both forward spots, and his passing has improved greatly over the last year (career-high 4.2 per game) along with 22.2 points, also a career-best. He would slot in well next to Lauri Markkanen and allow the Jazz to have four strong 3-point shooters on the court along with Walker Kessler, Drew Eubanks, or Kyle Filipowski at the 5.

His defensive shortcomings aren't likely to improve much on the Jazz, but with Walker Kessler defending the basket, Kuzma could be serviceable at the 3, or the 4 spot.

Having Kuzma would improve the scoring ability of this Jazz team. And he would draw attention from Lauri Markkanen, allowing the Jazz star more open looks. Opposing defenses gave Markkanen issues at times in 2023-24 because of the lack of a 2nd scorer on the roster who could create for himself.

The simplest move to make this deal happen would be to send John Collins to Washington, and perhaps one of the Cleveland/Minnesota picks from 2026 onward. Kuzma has 3 guaranteed years left, while Collins has 1 plus a player option, which he is likely to pick up.

The Jazz might not become a playoff team with Kuzma, but they would be better. More along the lines of 30-35 wins (without a late-season tank job).

Would the Jazz make this deal?

If they did, it would signify a playoff push, not a tank job for a Top 5 pick.

And yet, even with Kuzma, it's not a sure thing that the Jazz would get above 11th in the West, as Memphis, Houston, and San Antonio all will be improved this year. Golden State, the LA Clippers, and New Orleans could be worse than last year, but they still project to be better than the Jazz—only Portland projects to be worse in the West.

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