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

Brandon Ingram, New Orleans, forward

In a completely different type of move, a Jazz trade for Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans would give even more flexibility for a year from now, as Ingram's contract expires in the summer of 2025. He would be motivated and ready to prove he's worth the big-money contract that hasn't materialized from his current team.

Ingram's scoring and ability to draw defenses would benefit the rest of the Jazz starters, and he could develop a nice two-man game with Keyonte George. Opponents would have to guard him or Markkanen, and couldn't double-team either one when they share the court.

The deal would likely be Ingram to Utah, for John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, and at least one first-round pick or swap.

The Jazz would not be on a tanking path with Ingram. Instead, they would likely move into 35-40 win territory to make the play-in and get the 7th or 8th seed if things bounce right.

There is some risk in bringing Ingram onto a young, growing team like the Jazz. If he doesn't buy into what Will Hardy is selling, the Jazz may have to move him at the deadline for little in return. If he plays outstanding basketball and DOES buy into the Jazz, he will become borderline unaffordable for the Jazz to retain in the summer of 2025 and could walk to another team for nothing in return.

Ingram is slated to make $36 million in 2024-25 and it will likely take a starting salary north of $40 million to keep him. While the Jazz could afford this and stay under the luxury tax, it could crimp their ability to retain young players down the road, as extensions for Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and others come due in future seasons.