Gut Reaction: How Danny Ainge's Trade Hurt & Helped the Jazz

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone. In its wake, the Utah Jazz must decide whether they want to compete for a championship or tank to strengthen the team's future.

It's been a rough week for the Jazz following three consecutive losses while witnessing multiple opponents produce career-high outings. Most will agree that wins and losses have always factored into competitive sports, but it's how teams win and lose that often dictates the chemistry of a roster.

The eye test reveals the Jazz have struggled with team camaraderie the past several weeks, allowing ball-dominant guards to run rampant. It was obvious the Jazz needed some sort of shake-up in preparation for the remaining games.

Let's take a look at the tectonic trades that shook up Jazz Nation this week and examine what it means for the team's short and long-term outlook.

The Vanderbilt Trade Had to Happen

Parting ways with Jarred Vanderbilt was definitely warranted. As a general rule, I'm against NBA trades, period, but I worried that Vanderbilt would thwart the Jazz due to the number of times he's already been traded since entering the NBA.

Once a player is traded (depending on the circumstance), he will more than likely be traded again and again, like a hot potato. This trend exists with multiple players across the NBA, and Vanderbilt is one of them.

In his mind, Vanderbilt is a point forward who thinks he can stretch the floor by making an occasional three-pointer. Proper evaluation will prove he is an average player that makes unacceptable mistakes that will cost his team victories.

As the season progressed, Vanderbilt's playing time decreased, and he became a non-factor. He isn't the type of cornerstone player you factor as a future piece. He infringes on playing time that would be better allotted to a developing player and simply had no future with the Jazz organization.

Bottom line: Though it runs counter to my base philosophy, trading Vanderbilt was an excellent move by the Jazz.

Trading Alexander-Walker Hurts

If there was ever a player who was a victim of circumstance, it's Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

He came to the Jazz by way of trade and earned his way into game-time minutes. NAW's versatility was a constant presence, and his natural feel for basketball was often on display.

But when a player receives inconsistent minutes for no apparent reason, frustration will eventually rear its ugly head. Several weeks ago, Jazz coach Will Hardy inserted Alexander-Walker into a game with less than a minute remaining.

I said it then, and I'll say it now; it makes no sense to insert players with literally seconds left to play. It's disrespectful and will create negative vibes in the locker room.

Then several games ago, NAW was again placed into an already-decided game and played for less than five minutes. He made a bad pass, but the Jazz retained possession of the ball.

Coach Hardy took exception to the lapse, which led to Alexander-Walker going straight to the locker room during the game, and it was obvious he would most likely be traded or released.

This is a player that you can have on your roster as a foundational piece for now and into the future. Alexander-Walker has good size, can play multiple positions, and is a good wing defender. The Jazz may regret trading him in the future.

Bottom line: It wasn't a good move trading Alexander-Walker.

Westbrook Could Keep Utah in Contention

Get Russell Westbrook onto the floor.

When a player is traded, there is always the possibility of a buyout so that he can select his next NBA destination. The Jazz should take full advantage of Westbrook's services, though.

Westbrook would immediately add fuel to the organization and could mesh well with the current roster make-up of the Jazz. Tempo would be his largest contributor, and Lauri Markkanen would soar to new heights.

Bottom line: Let's hope the Jazz keep Westbrook and don't complete the buyout option.

In the End

The Jazz should play for a championship and not tank. Utah would be wise to add Westbrook into the equation and form a lethal duo with Markkanen. And if Coach Hardy would implement correct minutes to the appropriate players, the Jazz could be something to behold.

Currently, the Jazz sit at 27-29 and will tangle with the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Hopefully, the Jazz can get back to their winning ways and claw into the playoff picture.

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