3 Tempting Trade Targets Jazz Should Investigate Ahead of Deadline
The NBA trade season is now in full effect. Just this morning, we saw the league’s first deal of the year go down, sending RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors for OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa. A substantial deal like that just opens the door to opposing teams following suit.
One of those teams who could enter trade talks themselves may be none other than the Utah Jazz. Stockpiled with many assets in terms of draft capital and rostered players, we’re sure to see plenty of rumors surrounding Danny Ainge and the future of this roster up until the deadline.
With that, here are three players the Jazz could look towards making an offer for as we get closer to February’s trade deadline:
Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets
While he may be a polarizing player in the eyes of Jazz fans, you can’t help but notice some of the benefits he could bring to this current Utah roster. With this young team lacking a bit of veteran presence in the locker room, bringing in a tested and experienced wing like Hayward into the mix could be the perfect addition.
The fit of Hayward on this Charlotte roster seems a bit wonky. He’s in the last year of his lucrative contract and will be on the open market entering this summer. If there was ever a time to make a low-risk move to bring in the former Jazzman, now could be the time to do it.
The Jazz could use another wing in their rotation, and Hayward could be one to bring another layer to Utah’s offense. Through 25 games this season, he’s averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 46.8/36.1/76.5 splits. Placing him in a frontcourt next to Markkanen and Kessler could provide a balanced and effective group with a collection of size and versatility.
Whether it be as a nightly starter or key bench piece, there is a benefit to be had in a potential reunion between Hayward and Utah.
Lonnie Walker IV, Brooklyn Nets
Here’s a stat you were probably unaware of. Out of all qualifying players, Brooklyn Nets wing Lonnie Walker currently ranks fifth in the NBA in terms of three-point percentage at a staggering 46.3% from beyond the arc. Along with this, he’s averaging 14.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists at just 25 years old.
Bringing in a player like this could be an extremely worthwhile addition to the Jazz. He would align with the timeline Utah is trying to build, while also providing some immense impact on the offensive side of the ball. Of course, it may be difficult to pry away a young 14-PPG scorer from Brooklyn, but we’ve seen this franchise make crazier deals in the past.
Walker is currently set on a one-year deal making just above $2 million a season, and it seems that number will only increase over this summer. If the Nets were unwilling to give him a pay raise and wanted to capitalize on his value now, a trade deadline move could be a possibility. When looking at suitors, the Jazz could be a prime candidate to add him to their squad.
Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies
While it’s unclear whether the Memphis Grizzlies would entertain a trade for Marcus Smart, but, if they were, he could fit like a glove in Utah. He aligns perfectly with the need for a defensive-minded enforcer at the one and could bring some necessary gritty culture to Salt Lake City.
Considering the long-awaited return of Ja Morant to the lineup finally happening, along with the current state of the Grizzlies’ season, it might not be too unrealistic to see an opposing team or two call Memphis about the former Defensive Player of the Year’s availability. It could be the perfect route for this franchise to take a step back and plan for the future of this roster rather than the now, which looks a bit bleak a third of the way through the season.
Smart could be placed in a variety of lineups due to his size and defensive ability. Whether it be next to a guy like Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, or Jordan Clarkson, it would bring a nice balance of both offensive and defensive production in the backcourt. Considering Danny Ainge’s lengthy history with Smart on the Boston Celtics, it’s likely he could see things the same way.
A potential deal involving the ten-year vet could simply be a pipe dream, but if he ends up on the market, the Ainge and the Jazz should pick up the phone in a hurry.
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