The February 9th NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and each franchise is looking to bolster its squad. The Utah Jazz are in an interesting spot as the trade market continues to develop around the league. Due to remarkable parity, there are twenty-five or so teams that can talk themselves into making a run at the play-in tournament. Because of this unique landscape, there could be a lack of sellers on the market. The Jazz are in year one of rebuilding their next core team and have several intriguing options that could benefit other teams looking to make a run at the Larry O’Brien trophy. So who do the Jazz have, what teams could they fit with, and who could the Jazz target? Let’s dig in.
Jazz Trade Pieces
Malik Beasley
The 6’4 wing has cooled off considerably after his blistering start to the year. He remains one of the most dangerous shooters on the market who can swing a game in a matter of seconds. He’s still only 26 years old and’s on a good-value contract with a team option for next year. All teams could use Malik. If the Jazz decide to move him, he should demand a lot in return.
Possible fits: Pelicans, Grizzlies, Bucks, Nets.
Jarred Vanderbilt
Energy. Effort. Toughness. Vando is a solid role player who brings a lot to the table night in and night out. With the emergence of Walker Kessler for the Jazz, Jarred might find himself as part of a contending team in the upcoming weeks. Though his energy outpaces his impact, he could be a valuable piece to teams in need of his skill set.
Possible fits: Trail Blazers, Clippers, Suns, Pacers
Kelly Olynyk
Kelly is a unique player given his size (6’11), shooting ability (41.3% 3 PT shooter), and connectivity as a playmaker (3.3 assists per game). He struggles with rebounding and protecting the paint but can provide valuable front-court minutes in the playoffs.
Possible fits: Warriors, Heat, Kings, Nets
Mike Conley Jr.
At first glance it looks like Mike Conley has dropped off this year. He’s averaging his lowest points per game total since his rookie year (10.3) and shooting only 39.1% from the floor. These numbers do not tell the whole story though. Mike remains one of the NBA’s most steady and valuable point guards; he has been the stabilizer for this misfit Jazz group. He remains a good 3 point shooter (36.6%) and would provide an immediate upgrade, both on and off the court, to any team with shaky point guard play.
Possible fits: Clippers, Lakers, Mavericks, Timberwolves
Jordan Clarkson
Probably the least likely of these players to get moved, Jordan has put on a show for Jazz fans this year. The 2020-21 NBA Sixth Man of the Year is averaging career highs in minutes, points, and assists per game. In all likelihood, Clarkson will decline his player option for the 2023-24 season and become an unrestricted free agent in the off-season. Clarkson might be worth that gamble as he’s one of the best pure scorers in the league that can do it either off the bench or in the starting lineup.
Possible fits: Suns, Mavericks, Bucks, Grizzlies
Possible Targets
John Collins, PF Atlanta
Jazz fans have been hoping for years that Collins would find his way to the Jazz. The uber-athlete, whose best position is somewhere between the 4 and 5, has been linked to the Jazz for most of the trade season. He’s having a bit of a down year (13.1 PTS, 7.8 REB, 1.3 AST) and is owed north of $75 million over the next 3 years. He remains an intriguing piece that could fit next to Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler long-term as he’s still only 25 years old. If Atlanta is willing to add draft compensation to take back his large contract, he could be a great buy-low candidate.
PJ Washington, PF Charlotte
Having a career year as he heads towards restricted free agency, PJ could be a target for the Jazz either in February or as someone they could try to poach in free agency.
Saddiq Bey, SF Detroit
The third-year forward’s efficiency has dropped since his rookie year, but he still has an intriguing combination of physical tools to be a good defender while being a willing 3-point shooter. Detroit is rumored to be asking for a first-round pick in exchange for Bey. Would the lesser of Brooklyn/Philadelphia’s first-round pick plus a young player be enough for Detroit?
Lonzo Ball, PG Chicago
Due to one of the most unusual injuries we’ve seen in recent years, Lonzo has not been able to get back on the court this year. At his best, Lonzo is an elite defender and ball mover; could a gamble on his health pay off in the long run?
Cam Reddish, SG New York
A 6’8 fluid wing with a jump shot that looks like it should fall more than it does, Cam has not been able to put together the career many hoped he would when he was drafted with the 10th pick in the 2019 draft. Despite the struggles, athletic wings are the most valuable prototype in the league, and Reddish might be available for cheap.
Ziaire Williams, SF Memphis
The second-year forward fits largely in the same category as Reddish. Drafted 10th overall in 2021, Ziaire could be put in a deal if Memphis looks to add another piece to their squad for the postseason.
Brandon Boston Jr., SF Los Angeles
Highly recruited out of high school, BJ fits the mold of athletic wings who can create their own shot. If there’s any traction behind a Mike Conley trade for the Jazz & Clippers then Boston could be a fun addition to this young Jazz team.
James Wiseman, C Golden State
Why would the Jazz be interested in Wiseman if they already have Walker Kessler? It’s a great question, and to be honest, maybe they aren’t. Wiseman is extremely talented and if the price tag is low enough, it might be a worthy investment to see what Alex Jensen can get out of him.
Moses Moody, SG Golden State
A young wing who has flashed 3 & D potential. He’s another of Golden State’s prized draft picks who hasn’t been able to carve out a consistent role. If the Warriors feel the pressure to put more help around Steph Curry, Moody could be available.
Jaxson Hayes, PF/C New Orleans
One of my favorite trade candidates for the Jazz, Hayes is extremely athletic for a 7-footer. He was the 8th pick of the 2019 draft and could serve as an interesting reserve behind Markkanen and Kessler. The young Pelicans squad would also benefit from poaching a veteran or two from the Jazz.
Kira Lewis Jr., PG New Orleans
Injuries have made for a tough start to the young point guard’s career. Coming out of Alabama, Lewis flew up draft boards because of his unique speed, shooting, and playmaking potential. The Jazz could be short on point guards if Mike Conley is dealt soon.
Chris Duarte, SG Indiana
Do rumors of Indiana being willing to move off of the former lottery pick have any substance? If so, can Will Hardy get the best version out of him?
Jaden Springer, PG Philadelphia
The young guard hasn’t shown much but he could be a cap casualty if the Sixers try to get under the luxury tax line. He’s still extremely young and was a first-round draft pick just last year.
These are just a few players that intrigued me as we move toward the trade deadline. Whether the Jazz trend toward being a buyer, seller, or somewhere in between, I project that the moves will be made with an eye toward the future. With countless options ahead one thing is certain, the Jazz are in a great spot.
LG Hoops 