Insider Dishes on Botched Jazz Trade of Talen Horton-Tucker
With the regular season just around the corner, the NBA rumor mill is heating up regarding the Utah Jazz. NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports that Utah was in talks with the Houston Rockets about a potential trade involving Talen Horton-Tucker.
“The Rockets were also in touch with Utah on deal structures that would have sent Talen Horton-Tucker to Houston, sources said. The Jazz have seen continued progress from former No. 5 pick Kris Dunn — who’s found somewhat of a resurgence in Salt Lake City — and would like to afford plenty of opportunity for 2023 first-round selection Keyonte George to handle the controls of Utah’s offense, as well.”
If Fischer's reporting is accurate, it makes a ton of sense. At some point, Utah needs to do something with the log jam in its backcourt. Horton-Tucker has gotten the starting nod in Utah’s first four preseason games, but former lottery pick Kris Dunn has been the most efficient guard this preseason.
Dunn would also be a much more affordable option, assuming Utah would be interested in locking him up on a multi-year deal. Dunn getting rotational minutes is also consistent with Jazz head coach Will Hardy’s recent remarks about Dunn.
“His decision-making continues to improve. He's a very good guard, all around. His shooting has improved. He's showing he can knock down the three. He's an important part of our team"
This would clear the path for the No. 16 overall pick — Keyonte George — to take over as the starting one, with Dunn slated as a solid backup. Then Jordan Clarkson would be plugged in as the starting shooting guard and Collin Sexton as the sixth man.
Finally, Ochai Agbagi could get minutes as a backup three or what’s left over at the shooting guard spot. At the least, a Horton-Tucker trade would give Utah a clearer vision of the future.
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