Ranking the likelihood of 3 floated trade targets for the Jazz
By Matt John
On December 15, NBA free agents who signed their deals will be eligible to be traded. With that date merely weeks away, the Utah Jazz have to think about who their trade targets could be. Obviously, the Jazz won't trade for any veterans unless they come with draft assets at this point, but they could still trade for some more young'uns.
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz floated three potential trade targets for the Jazz to look into - Jabari Smith, Cam Thomas, and Jalen Hood-Schifino - all of whom fit under the umbrella of young talent who are worth taking a flyer on.
But what's the likelihood of the Jazz acquiring any of these three? The likelihood actually varies wildly.
1. Jabari Smith
Favale explained why Smith could be available and why he appeals to a team like the Jazz.
"Smith has actually had his minutes and shots cut back in Year 3 in Houston and should be looking for a bigger role or a new home. Still just 21, he packs a ton of potential at 6'11"."
In addition, Houston is currently having its best season since the last full year it had James Harden on the team. It has the assets to get better and they've shown that it may not have much long-term use for Smith as they aspire to move up.
The Jazz actually have a pretty loaded frontcourt with not a whole lot of minutes to go around, with the likes of Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Walker Kessler, and Kyle Filipowski. However, they manage to get rid of Collins, who has been their best player, that could open the door for a Smith trade.
In fact, if Collins keeps up his level of production, there could be a potential swap involving Collins for Smith, though other contracts would have to be included.
Smith is on a team that is thriving right now, and he has little to do with it. So, he's perfect for the Jazz.
Likelihood: don't be surprised if the Jazz are linked to him multiple times
2. Cam Thomas
Favale explained what the Jazz trading for Thomas would be contingent on.
"The 23-year-old is averaging 24.6 points and shooting 39.2 percent from three this year and could have a big role in Utah if Clarkson and Collin Sexton are moved."
Thomas is having a breakout season with the Nets right now, and there's been enough evidence to suggest it's not a simple case of "good stats/bad team." There was no telling if that was the case before the season started, but now that the Nets are getting some results, it'd be hard to see why they would want to get rid fo Thomas.
The Nets might throw away their season by the trade deadline. Even if they have a firesale, it'd be hard to see them get rid of the league's best young scorers.
Likelihood: Don't count on it. Don't even bring it up again.
3. Jalen Hood-Schifino
Favale explained why it wouldn't hurt for the Jazz to take a flyer on the former Lakers first-round pick.
"Hood-Schifino didn't get his third-year option picked up by the Lakers, a surprising move considering he was the 17th overall pick in the 2023 draft. With his time in Los Angeles likely coming to an end, Utah should make a call."
This is not the first time the Jazz have been linked to Hood-Schifino. It's difficult to analyze him because he hasn't gotten much of a real burn since he came into the NBA. If the Jazz agree to a deal with the Lakers, no matter whos' involved, it couldn't hurt them to see what Hood-Schifino could do because, unlike the Lakers, they don't have much to lose right now.
Likelihood: Since they've been linked to him before, this could happen.