Draft Insider Throws Cold Water on Jazz Trading Up Into Top-3

Armed with three first-round picks in the 2023 NBA draft, the Utah Jazz have some decisions to make. Do the Jazz stay put with the hand they’ve been dealt, or does improving their draft position via trade make more sense?

According to Yahoo Sports' draft analyst Krysten Peeks, trading into the top-3 may not be an option for Utah. Peeks shared her opinion on ESPN 700's The Bill Riley Show.

“I don’t know if they can get into the top-3. I could see Houston and Detroit more willing to hear people out. The reason why I say the top-3 — you’re going to have to give up a lot is because this draft class is the last draft in the next three years in terms of star power and playmakers and potential All Stars. Next year it kind of falls off — the year after. So we got two draft years before it really picks up.”

The price to get the No. 2 or No. 3 pick this year may still be doable, but not without Lauri Markkanen being a part of the equation. The odds of Utah parting with Markkanen would be low, but an argument can be had for Utah trading its All-Star before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

There haven’t been any signs that Markkanen would leave the Jazz for another franchise, but there’s no guarantee he’ll stay, either. Acquiring the No. 2 or No. 3 pick would give Utah control over Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller for the life of two contracts. Keep in mind, these picks may not even be up for sale.

Then there’s the question of what the Jazz would have to sacrifice to move up to get picks No. 4 or No. 5 in an attempt to obtain Amen Thompson or Cam Whitmore. Markkanen would be safe in any exchange, but every other player on Utah’s roster would be there for the taking, including Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji.

The toll to acquire picks No. 6, 7, or 8 drops significantly, although it would most likely require relinquishing the No. 16 pick currently in Utah’s possession.

Either way, it appears the trade market will be hot and heavy this offseason. According to NBA insider Keith Smith of The Front Office Show, fans can expect plenty of player movement.

“Talking to front office folks, players and agents, it feels like this is shaping up to be one of those trade-heavy major reset summers for the NBA. Poor FA class, looming super tax concerns and a whole bunch of teams thinking "Why can't we win it?" could lead to a lot of trades.”

If what Smith says comes to fruition, Jazz fans can expect CEO Danny Ainge to be an active participant on draft night. Ainge has made draft day trades in four of the last 11 drafts with the Boston Celtics. With three first-round picks in his back pocket, the odds of at least one getting moved are high.

Jazz fans should be prepared to refresh their social media feeds leading up to the draft that’s slated for June 22.

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