3 interesting but not great trade proposals for the Utah Jazz

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: Kris Dunn #11 of the Utah Jazz reacts as he drives past D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half 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)

Trade No. 1

In our first trade that we’re looking at, the Utah Jazz would do a swap with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers. In this trade, the Jazz ship out a 2026 second-round pick that they have from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Lakers. They also ship John Collins to the Pacers. So what do they get back? D’Angelo Russell and a 2022 second-round pick from Indiana via Miami.

Here’s the full breakdown here.

• Lakers get: Buddy Hield, Daniel Theis, 2026 second-round pick (UTA via MEM)
• Pacers get: John Collins, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino
• Jazz get: D’Angelo Russell, 2025 second-round pick (IND via MIA)

The Jazz need a point guard, that’s not really a debate. There is no clear guy, and fans everywhere are making cases for Kris Dunn, Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, and others. That’s a strong sign that the team doesn’t have a point guard. Frankly, they would still have the same issue with Russell. Russell isn’t getting dealt because he’s a gem.

He’s getting dealt because he’s not a good starting point guard. Using Collins to land a guy who can fortify that spot is key, but it can’t and shouldn’t be Russell. Change that one piece and this trade may be far more worthwhile.