Jazz Plausible In-Season Trade Targets Revealed

The Utah Jazz are ahead of plans in reshaping a roster that saw All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell depart via trade just one year ago. As a result of those exchanges, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge has stockpiled enough assets to be competitive if an All-Star talent were to become available in the trade market.

But what top-tier talent has the possibility of being put on the trade block this upcoming season?

Certainly, most teams will have their eyes on making the playoffs to begin the year, but as the season moves along, circumstances will change.

What players could hit the trade market due to unforeseen events that are within reason? Let’s examine.

Andrew Wiggins

The Golden State Warriors will no doubt start the year with the goal of winning their second championship in three years. But what if they get hit with the injury bug? This could be the year in which Father Time catches up with a team whose core is well into the back nine of their prime playing days. Remember, it was just three years ago the Warriors went 15-50 during a season riddled with injuries.

Golden State is going to have to get younger at some point, and the player (other than Steph Curry — who is non-tradeable) that would net the biggest return is Wiggins. The former No. 1 overall pick would fill Utah’s glaring need of defending the guard positions and has a contract that fits in Utah’s championship window.

The Warrior's health and record leading up to the trade deadline may be something Jazz fans should be keeping an eye on.

Dejounte Murray

The Atlanta Hawks are another team that will begin the season in win mode with a roster that should be competitive. It’s also a franchise that could use some cap relief in 2024 if the wins don’t start piling up.

Murray is another player that would be a major upgrade to what the Jazz have in Jordan Clarkson. It would also put the former Sixth Man of the Year in a role that he excels at in coming off the bench.

Considering Murray has a fair contract moving forward, the Hawks could restock on draft capital and get a big contract off the books. Just like the Warriors, the Hawks are a team that could be sellers if their season starts trending in the wrong direction.

Zach LaVine

Out of the three players mentioned, Lavine is playing for the franchise that’s most likely to be sellers at the trade deadline. The Chicago Bulls appear to be stuck between a rock and a hard place with the way their roster is constructed, and breaking it down may be the way to go.

LaVine has a huge contract, but he is in the prime of his career and would be under team control through the 2026 season. The Jazz have the assets to get in on the bidding, but will he become available at some point this year? From this point of view, it’s a coin flip LaVine ends the year in a Bulls uniform.

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