3 players the Jazz can trade for before the 2024-25 season starts
By Dan Lower
Zach LaVine, Chicago, guard
For the final trade option, the Jazz would turn to the Chicago Bulls and their oft-rumored trade target, Zach LaVine has been the subject of rumors for the past two-plus seasons as the Bulls have struggled with injuries and inconsistent play.
When DeMar DeRozan moved to Sacramento this offseason, it signaled the Bulls were no longer trying to shoot for the play-in and that this core could be broken up (Vucevic, Ball, LaVine) and a new team built around Coby White, Patrick Williams, and new acquisition Josh Giddey from Oklahoma City.
Moving LaVine, who has 2 years and a player option remaining, for John Collins and Collin Sexton would likely get the deal done. The Jazz would also push for at least 1 attached draft pick in this scenario, which the Bulls would likely include to move off of LaVine's high salary, in exchange for Collins' shorter deal and Sexton's value salary ($18 mil).
Taking on a lot of money and a talented off-guard like LaVine seems counter-productive on the surface. His health has been suspect for the last year, and LaVine may never be a 24ppg scorer again in the NBA. And his defense has always been suspect, something likely to worsen as he ages into his 30s.
A LaVine trade would likely be done for one reason - the Jazz bottoming out and going for Cooper Flagg in 2025. LaVine's style of play has rarely led to winning, guaranteeing that the Jazz would be within striking distance of the Top 5 picks next summer.
Jazz fans might call for Danny Ainge's head if he makes this move AND doesn't get Cooper Flagg in the end. It would make for an interesting summer of 2025 for the franchise.
Well, those are the 3 big moves that COULD happen between now and the start of the Utah Jazz season. Will any of them happen? It's hard to say, but don't put it past the front office to take a look at moves like this as the season approaches. Crazier things have happened in September and October in the past.