Why the Utah Jazz Aren’t Making Trades Like the Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have been making waves with their recent trades, unloading talent and accumulating second-round draft picks as they shift into full tank mode. This has left many Jazz fans wondering: why isn’t Utah making similar moves?
The answer lies in the complexities of NBA contracts and team strategies. While the Nets have traded players like Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Jazz’s tradeable assets come with different considerations.
Jordan Clarkson, Colin Sexton, and John Collins are the Jazz’s primary trade candidates. However, their contracts extend beyond this season, making them less attractive to teams looking for short-term solutions or trying to clear cap space.
For instance, the Golden State Warriors opted for Schroder over Clarkson likely due to Schroder’s expiring contract. Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of Finney-Smith and Shake Milton instead of pursuing Sexton might be attributed to future salary considerations.
The Jazz’s Offensive Success
While trade discussions swirl, it’s worth noting that the Jazz offense has been thriving recently. Over the last 10 games, Utah ranks ninth in the NBA in offensive efficiency and third in shooting percentage. Their three-point shooting has been particularly impressive, with multiple players hitting at high clips.
This offensive success raises an intriguing question: what could Will Hardy’s team accomplish with a true point guard? When Hardy had Mike Conley earlier in his tenure, the Jazz boasted the fourth-best offense in the NBA.
The current offensive output, achieved without a traditional floor general, speaks volumes about Hardy’s system and the players’ adaptability. It also suggests that the Jazz might be hesitant to disrupt their current chemistry for second-round picks.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Jazz front office faces a delicate balancing act. They must weigh the potential long-term benefits of accumulating draft assets against the current team’s development and on-court success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Jazz’s trade considerations and offensive strategies, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
• Detailed breakdown of recent offensive plays
• Analysis of Lauri Markkanen’s new rotation pattern
• Trends Monday: NBA-wide performance statistics
