3 trade ideas the Utah Jazz absolutely need to pass on
by Chad Porto
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles in front of Juan Toscano-Anderson #95 of the Utah Jazz during a 128-117 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on April 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
In the first trade option on the table from NBA Analysis, we get the loan Jazz scenario where they’re buying. In this deal, the Jazz send Kelly Olynyk and Simone Fontecchio, alongside a 2029 second-round pick for Los Angeles Lakers player D’Angelo Russell.
Now, we’re not against the cost of this trade. Olynyk is very much a guy who could be dealt with for any number of reasons this season, none of which would hurt the Jazz. The team may lose depth but with the arrivals of John Collins, Keyonte George, Brice Sensabaugh, and Omer Yurtseven, Olynyk’s need isn’t as….well, necessary.
But that doesn’t make this a good trade. While the team wouldn’t be giving up anything they can’t live without, the issue is what they’re getting back, or more specifically who; D’Angelo Russell.
- Lakers Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk, F Simone Fontecchio, 2029 Second-Round Pick (UTA)
- Utah Jazz Receive: G D’Angelo Russell
Let’s be frank, Russell isn’t an All-Star guard. Not only is he not an All-Star guard, he’s not even a starter anymore. The Lakers benched him for a reason. Teams keep trading him for a reason. After a while, you have to ask why someone would be traded four times in his career if he was worth having.
His value has plummeted and the Jazz would be wise to avoid falling into the perpetual trap that is Russell.
Utah Jazz</a>. Granted, every team is a subject of arm-chair GM’ing but the Jazz seem to take the cake right now. They’re a team that is both moving forward and capable of selling off even more of their assets. It really all depends on which way Danny Ainge and the Jazz want to go in.</p>
<p>If they go in a full rebuild, then guys like Kelly Olynyk, Talen Horton-Tucker, and others could be traded; including but not limited to Lauri Markkanen. They also have the assets that if they decided they’re ready to start competing again, they can start making big swings in the trade market.</p>
<p>There’s really no other team in the league that is on the cusp of buying and selling simultaneously as the Jazz. This means fans wanting to stretch their NBA general manager muscles can’t find a better team to tinker around with. Unfortunately, the trades we found today are all “unnecessary”.</p>
<p>Either they’re trades that don’t make sense to make now or don’t make sense at all. We’re not against trades, nor are we against trading away our better players if the deal and the methodology make sense. You don’t want to end up like some teams in other sports who are just trading to trade.</p>
<p>Nor do you want to trade a piece too soon, or too late. So it’s important that you get the trade right and we don’t feel these trades capture that mindset.</p>
<p>Each trade is courtesy of NBA Analysis.net.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 1 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-90997 size-full" src=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1857,w_2560/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1481254584-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1857" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1481254584-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1481254584-768x557.jpeg 768w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1481254584-1536x1114.jpeg 1536w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1481254584-2048x1485.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><p class="wp-caption-text">LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles in front of Juan Toscano-Anderson #95 of the Utah Jazz during a 128-117 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on April 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)</p>
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<p>In the first trade option on the table from<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://nbaanalysis.net/2023/07/31/nba-trade-rumors-utah-jazz-los-angeles-lakers-dangelo-russell-lebron-james-anthony-davis-lauri-markkanen-walker-kessler-proposal-news/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> NBA Analysis</a>, we get the loan Jazz scenario where they’re buying. In this deal, the Jazz send Kelly Olynyk and Simone Fontecchio, alongside a 2029 second-round pick for Los Angeles Lakers player D’Angelo Russell.</p>
<p>Now, we’re not against the cost of this trade. Olynyk is very much a guy who could be dealt with for any number of reasons this season, none of which would hurt the Jazz. The team may lose depth but with the arrivals of John Collins, Keyonte George, Brice Sensabaugh, and Omer Yurtseven, Olynyk’s need isn’t as….well, necessary.</p>
<p>But that doesn’t make this a good trade. While the team wouldn’t be giving up anything they can’t live without, the issue is what they’re getting back, or more specifically who; D’Angelo Russell.</p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lakers Receive</strong>: F/C Kelly Olynyk, F Simone Fontecchio, 2029 Second-Round Pick (UTA)</li>
<li><strong>Utah Jazz Receive</strong>: G D’Angelo Russell</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>Let’s be frank, Russell isn’t an All-Star guard. Not only is he not an All-Star guard, he’s not even a starter anymore. The Lakers benched him for a reason. Teams keep trading him for a reason. After a while, you have to ask why someone would be traded four times in his career if he was worth having.</p>
<p>His value has plummeted <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/03/sb-nation-doesnt-think-the-utah-jazz-have-a-young-core-good-enough-for-the-top-10/">and the Jazz</a> would be wise to avoid falling into the perpetual trap that is Russell.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-90996 size-full" src=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1465959040.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1465959040.jpeg 1600w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1465959040-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1465959040-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 13: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball while being guarded by Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 13, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)</p>
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<p>Any trade where <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/03/sb-nation-doesnt-think-the-utah-jazz-have-a-young-core-good-enough-for-the-top-10/">the Utah Jazz</a> trade away Lauri Markkanen now would be foolish. If the Jazz can compete with Markkanen today, and develop its young core along the way, this is a team that can compete for the playoffs and NBA titles for years, if not decades to come. So why expedite a potential dynasty?</p>
<p>Especially for the return on investments, this <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://nbaanalysis.net/2023/08/03/nba-trade-rumors-lauri-markkanen-indiana-pacers-utah-jazz-tyrese-haliburton-myles-turner-bennedict-mathurin-jarace-walker-obi-toppin-proposal-news/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA Analysi</a>s trade is suggesting. In a very poorly conceived trade suggestion, the Indiana Pacers would send aging guard T.J. McConnell, aging big-man Daniel Theis, and three first-round picks, all from Indiana.</p>
<p>McConnell and Theis on their own are likely not worth anything, and they’re too old to think about as long-term options for a playoff run. The three first-round picks sound good, but assuming the Pacers are a top contender in the East, you’re looking at the mid to high 20s at best.</p>
<p>Picks that essentially have the same value as an early second-round pick.</p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><strong>Jazz Receive</strong>: G T.J. McConnell, F/C Daniel Theis, 2024 First-Round Pick (IND), 2026 First-Round Pick (IND), 2028 First-Round Pick (IND)</li>
<li><strong>Pacers Receive</strong>: F Lauri Markkanen</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>This is a bad trade. It’s three low-tier first-round picks, and two veterans for Markkanen, a Top-25 player in the NBA currently. Why would anyone agree to suggest a lowball offer? You’d need to add one, if not two good young players to this trade package to make us reconsider it.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 3 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-90769 size-full" src=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1706,w_2560/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1247426912-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1706" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1247426912-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1247426912-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1247426912-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1247426912-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><p class="wp-caption-text">SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 23: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a three point basket in overtime against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Arena on February 28, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)</p>
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<p><a href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/03/sb-nation-doesnt-think-the-utah-jazz-have-a-young-core-good-enough-for-the-top-10/">So, if the Jazz</a> are going to trade Markkanen away before they see what the 2023-2024 Utah Jazz squad can be, this trade from<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://nbaanalysis.net/2023/07/31/nba-trade-rumors-oklahoma-city-thunder-utah-jazz-lauri-markkanen-shai-gilgeous-alexander-chet-holmgren-jalen-williams-josh-giddey-cason-wallace-proposal-news/?expand_article=%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener"> NBA Analysis</a> is at least better. It’s not perfect, but we’d consider this one. Like with the Indiana Pacers trade, it features three team-original first-round picks and two players, but this time it’s Lou Dort and Ousmane Dieng</p>
<p>Dort isn’t a great player and shoots a lot for someone with bad efficiency but he’s at least a young piece with upside and trade value. And while Dieng didn’t do anything as a rookie, there also exists the possibility that he could be dealt for another player down the line or even a late-round draft pick.</p>
<p>There’s value in the players if the Jazz don’t decide to keep them. That can’t be said about the Pacers’ deal.</p>
<p>Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Luguentz Dort, F Ousmane Dieng, 2024 First-Round Pick (UTA via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (PHI via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (Top-4 Protected – HOU via OKC)<br>
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F/C Lauri Markkanen</p>
<p>The problem with this trade, as with the last trade, are the picks. Getting the Jazz’s first-round pick back makes sense, as it’s a projected lottery pick, but it’s unlikely the 76ers are trash in 2025, same with the Rockets in 2026.</p>
<p>Admittedly, however, these are the best picks the Thunder can really offer. So it’s not like they’re holding back on giving the Jazz the best picks possible. Either add another first-round pick onto the package, two second-round picks, or either Jaylin Williams and Aleksej Pokusevski</p>
<p>One of those three options would put the package over the top to the point where the trade package would be significant from what you’re walking away from.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="3 interesting but not great trade proposals for the Utah Jazz" data-url="https://thejnotes.com/2023/07/27/3-interesting-not-great-trade-proposals-utah-jazz/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2023/08/04/3-trade-ideas-utah-jazz-absolutely-need-pass/2/"https://thejnotes.com/2023/07/27/3-interesting-not-great-trade-proposals-utah-jazz/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> 3 interesting but not great trade proposals for the Utah Jazz </a> </div>
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