Utah Jazz: Five Trades That Make Sense for Utah
The Jekyll and Hyde Utah Jazz find themselves with a number of tough decisions as the trade deadline rapidly approaches.
Their frustrating inconsistencies can at least in part be explained away by the truncated season and lack of practice time, but nonetheless Utah seems to have finally come to a fork in the road.
Win now or build for the future?
Utah’s front office will have a number of possibilities to explore regardless of the path they choose. Here are five trades that would be smart moves for Utah to make, either to build for the future or to thrust themselves into contention
Utah Trades Al Jefferson to Philadelphia for Andre Iguodala
1 of 5Why it makes sense for Utah: This deal would Utah some desperately needed perimeter defense and the All-Star caliber guard they are sorely lacking.
Why it makes sense for Philadelphia: It gives Philly the consistent scoring option they’ve seemed to be lacking late in close games and frees up a starting spot for the emerging Evan Turner.
For Now or Later? This trade makes a lot of sense for either scenario. Iguodala is under contract for three years, is relatively young and would make an indelible impact right away in Utah.
Devin Harris, Derrick Favors and C.J. Miles for Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O'Neal
2 of 5Why it makes sense for Utah: Dramatically upgrades the point guard position offensively and defensively. This gives Utah an elite defender and a pass-first point guard that is a much better fit than the ultra-quick combo guard Devin Harris.
Why it makes sense for Boston: If the rumors that Boston has grown tiresome of Rondo’s allegedly difficult personality have any weight, this would alleviate that headache as well as give Boston some much needed depth as well as the heir-apparent to Kevin Garnett in Derrick Favors.
For Now or Later? More for now, but it wouldn’t kill Utah later, though it would be tough to trade a young big man with tremendous potential. Utah’s front office may be hesitant to take on another brooding point guard after the Deron Williams debacle, but if they’re serious about winning now this is a move that should strongly be considered.
Utah Trades Derrick Favors to Philadelphia for Evan Turner
3 of 5Why it makes sense for Utah: This trade is nothing more than two teams trading surplus players to make their respective rosters much better rounded. Utah gets a two guard with tremendous potential and Philly gets a forward/center with tremendous potential.
Why it makes sense for Philly: See above.
For Now or Later? Both. Turner can contribute for several years down the road with Utah, and will improve the team immediately by virtue of the improved makeup of the roster. Though jettisoning Favors seems to be selling the future for the present, the Jazz still have two post players in their mid 20s; a fact that seems to be lost on many.
Devin Harris and Paul Millsap to Phoenix for Steve Nash and Josh Childress
4 of 5Why it makes sense for Utah: The acquisition of the ageless Steve Nash would give the Jazz the ideal point guard for head coach Ty Corbin’s system and would shore up Utah’s shooting percentage. Nash facilitating Utah’s offense would also bring back fond memories of a certain number 12 dishing out ridiculous assists.
Why it makes sense for Phoenix: This trade gives Phoenix fair value in return for Nash, whose contract is expiring and who may be on his way out after this season anyway. It also gets rid of Josh Childress and his unfavorable contract and acquires a power forward young and athletic enough to thrive in Phoenix’s up-tempo offense.
Last but not least, Phoenix would land the perfect speedy point guard to run their up tempo offense and to give opposing teams nightmares.
For now or later? In addition to being a far-fetched pipe dream, this trade would be one of the boldest statements Utah could make if they are serious about winning now. Though Nash would have no ties to Utah, a successful playoff run could be enough to convince Nash to re-sign.
Utah Trades C.J. Miles to Sacramento for Jimmer Fredette
5 of 5Why it makes sense for Utah: Utah is probably the one remaining place where JimmerMania hasn’t totally fizzled out yet. In addition to renewed excitement and some extra buzz around the team, this would improve Utah’s shooting and get Fredette out of an offense where he fits in about as well as Mitt Romney would in Compton.
Why it makes sense for Sacramento: Now that they’ve got everything they can out of JimmerMania, the Maloofs would net an athletic guard whose contract is expiring. Yes, he’d be yet another shoot-first guard in addition to Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton, but isn’t that the type of player that flourishes in Sacramento’s system?
For Now or Later?: Slightly more on the later side, although Utah would likely have no consistent decrease in second unit production.
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